Why Not? (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film · ★ 6.9
Released in 1981, Why Not? is a drama film directed by Shōhei Imamura, running about 151 minutes.
What it’s about. The film depicts carnivalesque atmosphere summed up by the cry "Ei ja nai ka" ("Why not?") in Japan in 1867 and 1868 in the days leading to the Meiji Restoration. It examines the effects of the political and social upheaval of the time, and culminates in a revelrous march on the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which turns into a massacre. Characteristically, Imamura focuses not on the leaders of the country, but on characters in the lower classes and on the fringes of society.
Who’s in it. Why Not? stars Shigeru Izumiya as Genji, Kaori Momoi as Ine, Masao Kusakari as Itoman and Ken Ogata as Furukawa, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, Why Not? 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 Why Not? page.
If you liked it. Fans of Why Not? tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Why Not? (1981)?
- In US, Why Not? is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Why Not? worth watching?
- Why Not? holds an audience score of 6.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Why Not??
- Why Not? stars Shigeru Izumiya, Kaori Momoi, Masao Kusakari, Ken Ogata and Norihei Miki.
- When was Why Not? released?
- Why Not? was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 151 minutes.