Shinran: Path to Purity (1987): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1987, Shinran: Path to Purity is a notable film directed by Rentaro Mikuni, running about 139 minutes.

What it’s about. In the 12th century, Buddhism was still a relatively new religion in Japan. At that time, one school (Shingon) offered extensive training in complex and very demanding practices which might eventually bring about spiritual purification and realization. Various Zen schools offered students a lengthy path, literally composed of a blank wall and unceasing meditation. Yet another school (Tendai) emphasized complex metaphysics and the study of philosophical systems. Basically, all of them were designed to cater to the few who were able to give up everything else in their lives and focus on liberation, such as scholars and noblemen. In this historical and biographical drama, this is the situation that the young Shinran (1173-1263) discovered when he began exploring Buddhism as an alternative to the violence and ceaseless civil wars that racked Japan at the time.

Who’s in it. Shinran: Path to Purity stars Junkyu Moriyama, Michiyo Yasuda, Ako and Izumi Hara, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Shinran: Path to Purity has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Shinran: Path to Purity page.