The Inland Sea (1991): cast, story & where to watch
1991 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1991, The Inland Sea is a notable film.
What it’s about. In 1971, author and film scholar Donald Richie published a poetic travelogue about his explorations of the islands of Japan’s Inland Sea, recording his search for traces of a traditional way of life as well as his own journey of self-discovery. Twenty years later, filmmaker Lucille Carra undertook a parallel trip inspired by Richie’s by-then-classic book, capturing images of hushed beauty and meeting people who still carried on the fading customs that Richie had observed. Interspersed with surprising detours—a visit to a Frank Sinatra–loving monk, a leper colony, an ersatz temple of plywood and plaster—and woven together by Richie’s narration as well as a score by celebrated composer Toru Takemitsu, The Inland Sea is an eye-opening voyage and a profound meditation on what it means to be a foreigner.
Who’s in it. The Inland Sea stars Donald Richie as Narrator.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, The Inland Sea has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Inland Sea page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Inland Sea (1991)?
- In US, The Inland Sea is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Inland Sea worth watching?
- The Inland Sea holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Inland Sea?
- The Inland Sea stars Donald Richie.
- When was The Inland Sea released?
- The Inland Sea was released in 1991.