In the early 1200s, Dogen brought Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, and established the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. He taught that a person was capable of realizing Buddhahood within himself, by way of Zazen. Zazen is extended hours of sitting and meditating to achieve a state of “Mu” (nothingness, or empty existence).
Cinematography
Every frame could hang in a temple. Snow, moss, candlelight perfection.
Acting
Nakamura's stillness carries entire film—minimalism as maximal performance.
Director
Banmei Takahashi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Banmei Takahashi spent decades in yakuza films before this—his violent past makes the serenity almost suspicious.
Real Eihei-ji temple monks consulted on zazen posture; actors held positions until they hallucinated.
JP
