Sacrifice
Gisei
Synopsis
Filmed only a few months after Tatsumi Hijikata’s first explosive public butoh performance, “Gisei” features Hijikata and members of his Asbestos Hall Troupe in a brutal allegory of a closed society. Shot by noted Japanese film scholar Donald Richie, “Gisei” still conveys the shock that Japanese audiences in 1959 must have felt at the birth of Hijikata's ankoku butoh, or "dance of darkness". Richie met Hijikata through mutual friend Yukio Mishima. They decided to collaborate on a film about segregation. Richie memorialized the film in his diary: “It is more than ever about the death of an individual, a distinct kind of human sacrifice.”
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Donald Richie
- Original Title
- Gisei
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Spoken Languages
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 10m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Donald Richie
Department Leadership Roster
Donald Richie
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sacrifice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sacrifice
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Sacrifice about?
Filmed only a few months after Tatsumi Hijikata’s first explosive public butoh performance, “Gisei” features Hijikata and members of his Asbestos Hall Troupe in a brutal allegory of a closed society. Shot by noted Japanese film scholar Donald Richie, “Gisei” still conveys the shock that Japanese audiences in 1959 must have felt at the birth of Hijikata's ankoku butoh, or "dance of darkness". Richie met Hijikata through mutual friend Yukio Mishima. They decided to collaborate on a film about segregation. Richie memorialized the film in his diary: “It is more than ever about the death of an individual, a distinct kind of human sacrifice.”
Who directed Sacrifice?
Sacrifice was directed by Donald Richie.
Who stars in Sacrifice?
The principal cast of Sacrifice includes Tatsumi Hijikata.
When was Sacrifice released and how long is it?
Sacrifice was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 10m.