The Eel 1997
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
- Director
- Shōhei Imamura
- Networks
- Eisei Gekijo, Groove Corporation, Imamura Productions
- Where to Stream
- Criterion Channel
What is The Eel?
Task: Write a factual, original 150-190 word overview of the film "The Eel" (1997). Constraints: Use only verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1997
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
- Release date
- May 12, 1997
- Original language
- JA
- Origin
- Japan
- Studios
- Eisei Gekijo, Groove Corporation, Imamura Productions
- Genres
- Drama, Crime
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 6.9/10 from 135 votes
- Episode runtime
- ~117 minutes
- Status
- Released
- Networks
- Eisei Gekijo, Groove Corporation, Imamura Productions
Where to watch in United States
Stream
Criterion ChannelStream
Filmin
Acontra Plus
Acontra Plus Amazon ChannelFree
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Trailer
Overview
Task: Write a factual, original 150-190 word overview of the film "The Eel" (1997).
Constraints:
Use only verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No invented titles, names, dates, counts, awards, ratings, box-office, or viewership.
No guessing or omitting if not in material.
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose in plain text.
No markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points.
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Word count: 150-190 words.
Title: The Eel (Romaji: Unagi, Japanese: うなぎ)
Year: 1997
Release Date: May 24, 1997 (JP)
Genre: Drama and Crime
Runtime: 1h 57m / 117 min
Director: Shōhei Imamura / Shohei Imamura
Writer: Shohei Imamura, Daisuke Tengan
Producer: Hiso Ino
Cinematographer: Shigeru Komatsubara
Studio: Shochiku
Distributor: Shochiku
Language: Japanese
Country: Japan
Cast: Kōji Yakusho, Misa Shimizu, Mitsuko Baishō, Akira Emoto
Plot: A businessman (later identified as white-collar worker Yamashi) kills his adulterous wife
Should you watch it?
“A convicted businessman released from prison opens a barbershop while speaking only to his pet eel.”
- It is directed by Shōhei Imamura.
- It features a unique bond between a released prisoner and an eel.
- It explores a man re-entering society after killing his adulterous wife.
- The plot deals with the aftermath of a murder and adultery.
Watch it if you want to see a drama about a former businessman navigating life after prison.
It is a drama and crime film with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.
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Your verdict
Is The Eel worth watching?
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Frequently asked questions
Where to stream The Eel?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database or TV Guide.
Whether it is worth watching?
It received an 81 Metascore on TV Guide and was directed by Shōhei Imamura.
What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Shōhei Imamura.
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