---
title: "The Eel"
year: 1997
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-eel-1997"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 20506
imdb_id: "tt0120408"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 117
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 135
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Eel (1997) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-eel-1997

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Eel is a 1997 drama and crime film directed by Shōhei Imamura and starring Kōji Yakusho, Misa Shimizu, Mitsuko Baishō, and Akira Emoto. The story follows a businessman who kills his adulterous wife and is sent to prison, only to open a barbershop after his release while communicating almost exclusively with an eel he befriended inside.

The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes and holds an 81 Metascore on TV Guide. It blends drama and crime elements as the protagonist attempts to connect with new people following his prison release.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A convicted businessman released from prison opens a barbershop while speaking only to his pet eel."

### Why Watch
- 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.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The plot deals with the aftermath of a murder and adultery.
- Tone & Suitability: It is a drama and crime film with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #drama, #crime, #prison-release, #barbershop, #unusual-friendship

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Criterion Channel | None | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | None | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Shōhei Imamura
- **Networks / Studios**: Eisei Gekijo, Groove Corporation, Imamura Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Koji Yakusho** as *Takuro Yamashita*
- **Misa Shimizu** as *Keiko Hattori*
- **Akira Emoto** as *Tamotsu Takasaki*
- **Fujio Tokita** as *Jiro Nakajima*
- **Mitsuko Baisho** as *Misako Nakajima*
- **Show Aikawa** as *Yuji Nozawa*
- **Ken Kobayashi** as *Masaki Saito*
- **Sabu Kawahara** as *Seitaro Misato*
- **Etsuko Ichihara** as *Fumie Hattori*
- **Tomorowo Taguchi** as *Eiji Dojima*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream The Eel?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database or TV Guide.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
It received an 81 Metascore on TV Guide and was directed by Shōhei Imamura.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Shōhei Imamura.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Eel — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/20506)
- [The Eel (1997) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/20506/cast)
- [The Eel (1997) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120408/)
- [The Eel - AsianWiki](https://asianwiki.com/index.php?title=The_Eel)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*