1989 | 35mm | JPN | D: Shohei Imamura | Japanese with English subtitles

Based on the novel by Masuji Ibuse, Imamura's monochrome masterpiece chronicles the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its devastating effect on a surviving family. Five years after getting caught in black rain following the blast, Yasuko lives with her uncle and aunt in Fukuyama. But despite her family’s best efforts to help Yasuko get married, she struggles to find a suitor, as the prospects become deterred by her status as a radiation victim.

Black Rain marks a departure from Imamura’s most-travelled themes, as he chooses to depict the full horror of the war and its lasting consequences. However, instead of simplistic anti-nuclear rhetoric, Imamura delves into the psychological scars etched by the warfare, unveiling the survivors’ internal battles as they grapple with their sense of self-worth marred by radiation's invisible threat. Haunting and deeply moving, this must-watch film tells the important stories of those whose lives were tainted by the indelible physical and social stigma left by nuclear fallout.

Winner of the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Technical Grand Prize and Nominee for the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival 1989
Winning multiple awards at the Japanese Academy Awards: Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Film, Best Lighting, Best Music Score, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Etsuko Ichihara)
Winner of the Blue Ribbon Award 1990 for Best Actress
Winning multiple awards at the Film Fest Gent, Hochi Film Awards, Kinema Junpo Award, Mainichi Film Awards and Sant Jordi Awards

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Arc Cinema

1 McCoy Circuit Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601

Information

Transport

Accessibility

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

BY BUS - WEEKDAYS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm weekdays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
ON THE NUMBER 53
Route 53 runs between National Museum Lennox Crossing and Dickson Shops Cowper Street on average every 30 minutes from 7.00am to 10.10pm weekdays. Bus alights at Liversidge St behind the NFSA.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

BY BUS - WEEKENDS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 7.00am to 9.00pm weekends and public holidays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

PARKING

There is dedicated visitor parking on the premises between McCoy Circuit and Ellery Cresent (paid parking, up to three hours). There is also limited free parking surrounding the building on Liversidge Street.
We recommend using public transport in peak times.

Accessible parking is available off McCoy Circuit.
Wheelchair/accessible access via Liversidge Street.