# The Eel (1997)

> A convicted wife-killer cautiously rebuilds his life through a rural barbershop, eccentric new companions, and an eel that becomes his closest confidant.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/12366

## Facts

- Runtime: 117 min
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Director: Shōhei Imamura
- Cast: Koji Yakusho, Misa Shimizu, Akira Emoto, Fujio Tokita, Mitsuko Baisho, Show Aikawa, Ken Kobayashi, Sabu Kawahara
- TMDB rating: 6.9/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120408/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: moderate
- Mood: melancholic, compassionate, restrained, quiet evening, arthouse film night

## Synopsis

A man's solitary journey of redemption unfolds in a quiet barbershop, where an unexpected friendship blossoms.

## Movies like The Eel

- [Perfect Days (2023)](https://ember.film/movie/905243)
- [A Sun (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/437919)
- [Blood and Bones (2004)](https://ember.film/movie/13174)
- [Love and Honor (2006)](https://ember.film/movie/12377)
- [Fireworks (1997)](https://ember.film/movie/3295)
- [Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/8381)
- [The Twilight Samurai (2002)](https://ember.film/movie/7141)
- [Shoplifters (2018)](https://ember.film/movie/348311)
- [Vengeance Is Mine (1979)](https://ember.film/movie/27181)
- [Helpless (1996)](https://ember.film/movie/67466)

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