Screening + Talk-Back: The Tragedy of Bushido

Students · Grades 9-12

Tuesday, April 16, 10:30 AM–12 PM

The Tragedy of Bushido tells the story of a young samurai in 17th century Japan forced to follow his master in death through ritual suicide in accordance with an archaic bushido custom. Drawing a connection between the oppressive values of absolute fealty within the samurai moral code and the bureaucratic political systems of postwar Japan, this film evokes a portrait of conflicted postwar Japanese youth struggling to negotiate the expectations of their parents’ generation.

Immediately following the screening, students will engage with experts on Japanese film and culture in a lively talk-back that is sure to complement any World War II /Postwar Unit and introduce the important role young people played in shaping postwar Japanese culture.

Join us for a special matinee screening of this rarely seen 1960 masterpiece.

Film Run-time: 74 minutes
Post-Screening Talk-back: 25 minutes

Japan Society is pleased to offer this screening and talk-back free of charge to High School classes, grades 9-12.

For more information, or if you are interested in bringing a group, please call (212) 715-1275 or email [email protected].

This program is part of our Japan in the Global 1960s series.