FeatureDrama

The Empty Table (1985): cast, story & where to watch

1985 · Film · ★ 5.3

The Empty Table poster

Released in 1985, The Empty Table is a drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi, running about 143 minutes.

What it’s about. One year has passed since the Kidojis' eldest son Otohiko was arrested for his part in a terrorist kidnapping, which resulted in multiple deaths. Although the parents of all the other perpetrators have either resigned from their professional positions or taken their own lives, Nobuyuki Kidoji tries to remain adamant that he was not responsible for his son's actions.

Who’s in it. The Empty Table stars Tatsuya Nakadai as Nobuyuki Kidoji, Mayumi Ogawa as Yumiko Kidoji, Kie Nakai as Tamae Kidoji and Kiichi Nakai as Otohiko Kidoji, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, The Empty Table has proved divisive with audiences.

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

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

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Empty Table (1985)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Empty Table change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Empty Table worth watching?
The Empty Table holds an audience score of 5.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Empty Table?
The Empty Table stars Tatsuya Nakadai, Mayumi Ogawa, Kie Nakai, Kiichi Nakai and Shinobu Otake.
When was The Empty Table released?
The Empty Table was released in 1985, with a runtime of about 143 minutes.