Dance of Darkness (1989): cast, story & where to watch

1989 · Film · ★ 9

Dance of Darkness poster

Released in 1989, Dance of Darkness is a documentary film directed by Edin Velez, running about 55 minutes.

What it’s about. The dark sensibilities and cultural resonances of Butoh, the radical Japanese dance movement, are explored in this multilayered work. Profoundly rooted in both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, Butoh arose in a spirit of revolt in the early 1960s. Characterized by frank sexuality and bodily distortions, Butoh transforms traditional dance movements into new forms, stripping away the taboos of contemporary Japanese culture to reveal a secret world of darkness and irrationality.

Who’s in it. Dance of Darkness stars Tatsumi Hijikata as Himself and Kazuo Ohno as Himself.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, Dance of Darkness sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Dance of Darkness 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 Dance of Darkness (1989)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Dance of Darkness change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Dance of Darkness worth watching?
Dance of Darkness holds an audience score of 9.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in Dance of Darkness?
Dance of Darkness stars Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno.
When was Dance of Darkness released?
Dance of Darkness was released in 1989, with a runtime of about 55 minutes.