Enrai (遠雷) or Distant Thunder is a 1981 Japanese film adaptation of Wahei Tatematsu's novel of the same name, directed by Kichitaro Negishi.

Synopsis

Enrai is a low-key study of a farmer, Mitsuo Wada, in 1980s Japan when modernization and urbanization were threatening rural areas. After his father leaves his wife to run off with his mistress, Mitsuo struggles to preserve his livelihood with the help of his mother, grandmother, and his arranged marriage bride, Ayako.

Cast

Background

Enrai is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Wahei Tatematsu. The film, financed by ATG, Nikkatsu, and the smaller Nikkatsu-related company New Century Producers, marked director Negishi's breakthrough into mainstream film after several Roman porno features for Nikkatsu. Enrai was released in Japan as a VHS tape by Pioneer LDC (パイオニアLDC) in July 1998 and subsequently as a DVD in February 2008 by Geneon Entertainment (ジェネオン エンタテインメント).

Awards and nominations

3rd Yokohama Film Festival 6th Hochi Film Awards