Black Ox
In the Meiji Period, in the 19th century Japan, transitioning towards modernization, BLACK OX explores the relationship between man and ox, inspired by the “Ten Ox-Herding Pictures” a series of short poems and illustrations from Zen Buddhism tradition that depict the path to enlightenment and spiritual awakening. BLACK OX follows the life of a Man, a former hunter-gatherer who loses his connection to the gods of nature and to his spirituality in the process of becoming a farmer and becoming “Japanese” during the nation’s period of westernization in the Meiji Period. Transitioning from a life in the mountains to a life in the farm, one day he comes across a Black Ox. He somehow succeeds in leading the reluctant animal back to his home, and begins living with it. The OX becomes his companion in a life of seasons in the attempt to reconnect with nature.
- Year: 2024
- Country: Japan, Taiwan
- Genre: Drama
- Studio: Nikoniko Film, Moolin Films, Cineric Creative, Cinema Inutile, Fourier Films Inc.
- Keyword:
- Director: Tetsuichirô Tsuta
- Cast: Lee Kang-sheng, Fukuyo, Min Tanaka, Ryubun Sumori, Kei Takei, Blanca Adika