Death by Hanging

Death by Hanging was screened during the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes, marking the start of Nagisa Oshima’s international acclaim.

Based on a real-life incident, Death by Hanging is a biting, satirical examination of the death penalty. The film centers on “R,” a young Korean man living in Japan who is sentenced to death for rape and murder. However, when the execution is carried out, his body mysteriously refuses to die. 

Originally produced as part of the Art Theatre Guild’s “ten-million-yen film” project, the film turned its limited budget into an aesthetic strength. The set, modeled after an actual execution chamber and built in an abandoned cinema, exudes a disturbing realism. 

Filmography: Taboo (1999), Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), In the Realm of the Senses (1976), The Ceremony (1971).

This film is part of a special tribute titled "Between Mishima and Oshima"

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