In light of the newly enlivened debate over the "duty to die," I ordered a copy of the 1983 version of
Ballad of Narayama which was
released on DVD this summer. The film was the 1983 Palm d'Or winner. The trailer is available
here.
Basically, in a remote 19th century Japanese village, all people are banished to the top of Mount Nara to die when they reach the age of 70, so as not to burden the other villagers. The practice is
apparently called
"ubasuteyama."
The 1983 film is a remake of a 1958 film which, in turn, is based on a 1956 novel.
Basically, in a remote 19th century Japanese village, all people are banished to the top of Mount Nara to die when they reach the age of 70, so as not to burden the other villagers. The practice is apparently called "ubasuteyama."
The 1983 film is a remake of a 1958 film which, in turn, is based on a 1956 novel.