Barren Illusion (1999): cast, story & where to watch

1999 · Film · ★ 5.4

Barren Illusion poster

Released in 1999, Barren Illusion is a drama, romance and science fiction film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, running about 95 minutes.

What it’s about. In a near future where allergies have become an epidemic, music producer Haru half-heartedly dates post office clerk and mail thief Michi. He searches for violent ways to reactivate his life, she dreams of escaping abroad; both volunteer to test a new drug which may provide a cure.

Who’s in it. Barren Illusion stars Shinji Takeda, Miako Tadano as Michi, Tarô Suwa and Yamamoto Naoki, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, Barren Illusion has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Barren Illusion page.

If you liked it. Fans of Barren Illusion tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Barren Illusion (1999)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Barren Illusion change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Barren Illusion worth watching?
Barren Illusion holds an audience score of 5.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, romance and science fiction. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Barren Illusion?
Barren Illusion stars Shinji Takeda, Miako Tadano, Tarô Suwa, Yamamoto Naoki and Shinji Aoyama.
When was Barren Illusion released?
Barren Illusion was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 95 minutes.