The Eel
Directed by Shōhei Imamura
Starring Koji Yakusho, Misa Shimizu, Akira Emoto, Fujio Tokita, Mitsuko Baisho, Show Aikawa, Ken Kobayashi, Sabu Kawahara, Etsuko Ichihara, Tomorowo Taguchi
6.9/10
Vibes:to cry
Vibes:adrenalineintensitydarkness
Ideal when you feel…
Angry
Sad / low
Stressed
Angry Sad / low StressedDramaCrime
A businessman kills his adulterous wife and is sent to prison. After his release, he opens a barbershop and meets new people, talking to almost no one except for an eel he befriended while in prison.
- Original title
- うなぎ
- Original language
- Japanese
- Country
- Japan
- Screenplay
- Shōhei Imamura, Motofumi Tomikawa, Daisuke Tengan
- Music
- Shinichiro Ikebe
- Cinematography
- Shigeru Komatsubara
- Cast
- Fujio Tokita, Mitsuko Baisho, Show Aikawa, Ken Kobayashi, Sabu Kawahara, Etsuko Ichihara, Tomorowo Taguchi
Updated August 14, 2026
Trailer
How to watch
Buy the DVD/Blu-ray
Your ratingLog in to write a review
Frequently asked questions
Where to watch The Eel?
The Eel is streaming on Criterion Channel.
Not this one? Tell us your mood
Moodi suggests what to watch tonight, based on how you feel and your platforms.
Happy
Nostalgic
Romantic
Exhausted
Bored
Calm
Curious
