Fossil

Fossil

Limited Series 1972 · 8 eps · Drama

Ended

An industrialist is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is abroad in Europe at the time, and a glimpse of a Japanese woman in that setting causes him to imagine her as the personification of his impending fate. As his dialogue with his imagined mortality continues, he meets the living woman, the template for his fantasy, and together, they tour rural churches. Gradually, he comes to some kind of peace about the diagnosis. When he returns to Japan, he is met with a series of challenges that profoundly test the lessons he has learned.

Created by Masaki Kobayashi

Network: Fuji TV

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HarakiriHarakiri · 1962
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★ 8.51962
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Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.
The Human Condition III: A Soldier's PrayerThe Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer · 1961
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★ 8.41961
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After the Japanese defeat to the Russians, Kaji leads the last remaining men through Manchuria. Intent on returning to his old life, he faces great odds in a variety of different harrowing circumstances as he and his men sneak behind enemy lines.
The Human Condition II: Road to EternityThe Human Condition II: Road to Eternity · 1959
The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity
★ 8.21959
MovieWarDrama
Kaji, sent to the Japanese army labeled Red, witnesses cruelties in the army and revolts against the abusive treatment against a fellow recruit. He also sees his friend Shinjô defecting to the Russian border, and he ends in the front to fight a lost battle against the Russian tanks division.
Samurai RebellionSamurai Rebellion · 1967
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The mother of a feudal lord's only heir is kidnapped by the lord. Her husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to rescue her.
Hymn to a Tired ManHymn to a Tired Man · 1968
Hymn to a Tired Man
★ 8.21968
MovieDrama
During WWII, Zensaku, middle-aged and deaf in one ear, learns that his son has fallen for the daughter of a war officer responsible for the maiming.
The Human Condition I: No Greater LoveThe Human Condition I: No Greater Love · 1959
The Human Condition I: No Greater Love
★ 8.11959
MovieWarDrama
After handing in a report on the treatment of Chinese colonial labor, Kaji is offered the post of labour chief at a large mining operation in Manchuria, which also grants him exemption from military service. He accepts and moves with his newlywed wife Michiko, but when he tries to put his ideas of more humane treatment into practice, he finds himself at odds with scheming officials, cruel foremen, and the military police.
Glowing AutumnGlowing Autumn · 1978
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MovieComedy
A very beautiful Japanese woman is in love with Persian carpets. She is being chased by lecherous Saburi Shin and a handsome young photographer. Lecherous Saburi Shin knows what she wants, and is able to produce it for her.
KwaidanKwaidan · 1965
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Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
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★ 7.71965
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The InheritanceThe Inheritance · 1962
The Inheritance
★ 7.31962
MovieDrama
A dying businessman intends to will ¥200 million to his three illegitimate children, but his associates scheme to take advantage of the situation.
The FossilThe Fossil · 1975
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★ 7.21975
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An industrialist is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is abroad in Europe at the time, and a glimpse of a Japanese woman in that setting causes him to imagine her as the personification of his impending fate. As his dialogue with his imagined mortality continues, he meets the living woman, the template for his fantasy, and together, they tour rural churches. Gradually, he comes to some kind of peace about the diagnosis. When he returns to Japan, he is met with a series of challenges that profoundly test the lessons he has learned.
The Thick-Walled RoomThe Thick-Walled Room · 1956
The Thick-Walled Room
★ 7.21956
MovieDramaWar
A group of rank-and-file soldiers are jailed for crimes against humanity, themselves victims of a nation refusing to bear its burdens as a whole.
Dodes'ka-denDodes'ka-den · 1970
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★ 7.11970
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Tokyo TrialTokyo Trial · 1983
Tokyo Trial
★ 7.01983
MovieWarDocumentary
A look at the trial of Japanese militarists accused of war crimes; from the proceedings of the International Military Tribunal (May 1946–November 1948). It took two days to read the charges against the 100 alleged war criminals in the docket (only 28 top officials are actually in the small courtroom), and the final judgment took one week to read.
Black RiverBlack River · 1957
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★ 7.01957
MovieCrimeDrama
A love triangle develops between a benevolent student, his innocent girlfriend, and a cruel petty criminal, all as a point of diagnosis of a social disease that had Japan slowly succumbing to lawlessness during the post-War era.
Beautiful DaysBeautiful Days · 1955
Beautiful Days
★ 6.91955
MovieDramaRomance
A romantic drama depicting the lives of two generations of a family who run a Tokyo florist shop.

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