Follow TV Tropes

Following

Film / Himiko

Go To

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/himiko1.png

Himiko is a 1974 Japanese film directed by Masahiro Shinoda (Silence, Ballad of Orin) telling the story of the legendary 3rd century queen Himiko, who it is said was a powerful and influential shaman during the Japanese Yayoi period. The eponymous shaman queen is portrayed by actress Shima Iwashita, making this the 12th collaboration between the husband-and-wife team. The film is largely an art-house historical drama produced by the Japanese New Wave indie production company Art Theatre Guild that recontextualizes the legendary Himiko amidst court intrigue, warring tribes and an ill-fated love triangle using psychedelic visual effects to present a highly stylized representation of a shamanistic worldview.

The plot follows Himiko, the shaman of the Sun People in the Kingdom of Wa, who through a sacred mirror receives from and communicate with the Sun God whom her tribe worships. When her half-brother Takehiko returns from China and having spent time with the Land People Tribe tensions spark within the king’s court. Himiko is herself overjoyed by her Takehiko’s return and the two embark upon a relationship. But her handmaiden Adahime is also smitten with the dashing traveller and seduces him. When Himiko begins to receive messages from the Sun God that the people are to acknowledge the gods of the Earth and Land People Tribes tensions come to boiling point and no one is safe.


Himiko provides examples of:

  • Brother–Sister Incest: Himiko and Takehiko.
  • The Caligula: Nashime resolves to let the Earth Tribe prisoners mutilate and murder Himiko fearing her passion and desire for vengeance after being scorned by Takehiko may have turned her into one.
  • Drums of War: During the battle between the Sun God and the Earth and Mountain Gods Tribe.
  • Gainax Ending: The film ends with Nashime wandering in the forest when he sees a 20th century helicopter flying overhead and it is revealed he is roaming about in a burial mound surrounded by modern industrialized developments.
  • The High Queen: Himiko becomes this after Nashime murders the king of the Sun Tribe.
  • The Kingslayer: Nashime becomes one to protect Himiko, and then later when he fears Himiko has gone mad.
  • Miko: Himiko and her handmaidens.
  • The Power of the Sun: Himiko is a shaman for the Sun God.
  • Shinto: Perhaps one of the few notable films showing a Shinto worldview.
  • Textile Work Is Feminine: Himiko, when she's not receiving visions, spends her days weaving cloth.

Top