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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1955
Runtime1h 45m
LanguageJapanese
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes1
DirectorNoboru Nakamura
WritersToshio Yasumi
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.0 out of 10
Cast5 credited
Also Known AsThe Mask and Destiny
About The Mask and Destiny
Shuzenji Monogatari (The Mask and Destiny) is based on a 12th-century Japanese legend. An abortive royal romance leads to an escalating series of tragedies. The central character is a Japanese monarch who would prefer to live a humble existence as a maskmaker. Unfortunately, events -- and destiny -- are against him. When first released, Shuzenji Monogatari was held in far lower esteem than such recent Japanese films as Gate of Hell and Samurai. Nevertheless, the film was selected as an entry at the Venice Film Festival, possibly on the strength of its excellent production values.
Directed by Noboru Nakamura, The Mask and Destiny leans on a strong ensemble — Teiji Takahashi, Chikage Awashima, Keiko Kishi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1955.
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