The Written Face (1995): cast, story & where to watch
1995 · Film
Released in 1995, The Written Face is a documentary film directed by Daniel Schmid, running about 89 minutes.
What it’s about. In Japanese theater, women's roles are traditionally played by men. The man playing the woman's role, the Onnagata, does not imitate the woman, as in the West, but tries to capture her significance. He need not stick close to his model, but draws far more from his own identity - a shift of value takes place, which is nonetheless not a step beyond. THE WRITTEN FACE is an attempt to offer an insight into the Japanese Kabuki star Tamasaburo Bando, one of the last defenders of this ancient and disappearing performing tradition.
Who’s in it. The Written Face stars Tamasaburo Bando as Self, Kazuo Ohno as Self, Harnko Sugirnura as Self and Kai Shishido, among others.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on OVID. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Written Face page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Written Face tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Written Face (1995)?
- In US, The Written Face is available to stream on OVID. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Who stars in The Written Face?
- The Written Face stars Tamasaburo Bando, Kazuo Ohno, Harnko Sugirnura, Kai Shishido and Toshiya Nagasawa.
- When was The Written Face released?
- The Written Face was released in 1995, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.