Zigeunerweisen (1980)

Synopsis

The movie Zigeunerweisen (1980) is a surreal period film directed by Seijun Suzuki. It follows an university professor and his eerie nomad friend as they navigate through loose romantic triangles and face death in peculiar ways[1]. The film is based on Hyakken Uchida’s novel, “Disk of Sarasate,” and takes its title from a gramophone recording of Pablo de Sarasate’s violin composition, Zigeunerweisen, which plays a significant role in the story[2].

Zigeunerweisen is a departure from director Suzuki Seijun’s previous Nikkatsu films. It was shot entirely on location without access to studio resources and runs for 144 minutes, allowing for a more expansive exploration of its intellectual characters and period setting[2]. The film has a unique blend of surrealism, romance, and mystery[1].

Cast

Yoshio Harada as Aochi
Toshiya Fujita as Nakasago
Kiwako Taichi as Koine
Kazuko Yoshiyuki as Sono
Naoko Ôtani as Otoyo

Trivia

Zigeunerweisen was shot entirely on location without access to studio resources[2].
The film won Honourable Mention at the 31st Berlin International Film Festival in 1981[2].