Documentary

Sumodo ~ The Successors of Samurai ~

相撲道〜サムライを継ぐ者たち〜

2020 / 104 minutes / Unclassified all ages

Official website

“Everyday is a traffic accident” - when you’re a sumo wrestler

Moving and insightful, Eiji Sakata’s documentary offers an eye-opening look into the intimate workings of what it means to be a professional sumo wrestler in modern Japan. Filmed over the course of six months, Sumodo follows the lives of two wrestlers, Gōeidō Gōtarō and Ryūden Gōshi, as they prepare to battle it out on the legendary stage of Ryōgoku Kokugikan.

Considered to be descendants of samurai, these ‘gentlemen of strength’ dedicate their entire lives to sumo, priming themselves both mentally and physically for the sport. From grueling, rigorous training sessions to flesh on flesh clashes in the ring, they are required to overcome both physical and emotional challenges in the process. Director Sakata unveils the prowess, personalities, fears and joys of these dedicated athletes, and offers a touching documentary that will capture the hearts of anyone wanting to learn more about this revered piece of Japanese culture.

Sunday 31st October
16:30
Concluded

Palace Electric, Canberra

Sunday 7th November
16:30
Concluded

Palace Raine Square, Perth

Sunday 14th November
16:00
Concluded

Palace Barracks, Brisbane

Saturday 20th November
18:25
Concluded

The Kino, Melbourne

Tuesday 23rd November
20:30
Concluded

The Kino, Melbourne

Friday 26th November
18:00
Concluded

Palace Verona, Sydney

Sunday 28th November
15:30
Concluded

Palace Norton Street, Sydney

Screens in: Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney

Cast: Eiji Sakata

Cast: Gōeidō Gōtarō and Ryūden Gōshi

Genre: Documentary

Language(s): Japanese with English subtitles