The Eel (1997)

7.3Not Rated110 minDirector: Shohei Imamura

1997 film directed by Shōhei Imamura

The Eel (うなぎ, Unagi) is a 1997 Japanese film directed by Shōhei Imamura and starring Kōji Yakusho, Misa Shimizu, Mitsuko Baisho, and Akira Emoto. The film is loosely based on the novel On Parole by celebrated author Akira Yoshimura, combined with elements from the director's 1966 film The Pornographers. It shared the Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival with Taste of Cherry. It also won the 1998 Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film of the Year.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Eel about?
The Eel (1997) — A businessman kills his adulterous wife and is sent to prison. After the release, he opens a barbershop and meets new people, talking almost to no one except an eel he befriended while in prison.
Is The Eel based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Eel scary?
Content rating: Not Rated. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.