Cicada is the story of Jumpei-- a man who loses sight of his progeny when he finds out he is infertile, but then is given the gift of clairvoyance and begins to see glimpses of the future. These glimpses lead him to a series of cicada shells, which become symbolic of his desire to shed his old self. Though his lineage ends with himself, Jumpei starts anew as a father-figure to his sister's young son.
Direction
Yamada's patient, contemplative visual storytelling.
Acting
Yugo Saso's restrained, heartbreaking stillness.
Director
Dean Yamada
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Cicadas symbolize reincarnation in Japanese culture—their shells represent souls leaving earthly bodies behind.
Dean Yamada is better known as a music video director; this remains his only feature, making its obscurity almost criminal.
JP
