

The Written Face
1995, German. Directed by Daniel Schmid.
In Japanese theater, women's roles are traditionally played by men. The man playing the woman's role, the Onnagata, does not imitate the woman, as in the West, but tries to capture her significance. He need not stick close to his model, but draws far more from his own identity - a shift of value takes place, which is nonetheless not a step beyond. THE WRITTEN FACE is an attempt to offer an insight into the Japanese Kabuki star Tamasaburo Bando, one of the last defenders of this ancient and disappearing performing tradition.
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Written Face
The Written Face is streaming on OVID in India.
Stream
Availability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 1 September 1995
- Original title
- Das geschriebene Gesicht
- Country
- Japan, Switzerland
- Written by
- Daniel Schmid
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked The Written Face

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe
2014 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Adele One Night Only
2021 · 7.7/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple
2006 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Making of Star Wars
1977 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

David Bowie: The Last Five Years
2017 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special
2021 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Alone in the Wilderness
2004 · 7.9/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers

Titanic: 20 Years Later with James Cameron
2017 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

And the Oscar Goes To...
2014 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip
2013 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Written Face: quick answers
Is The Written Face worth watching?
The Written Face doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Written Face?
The Written Face runs 89 minutes (1h 29m).
Does The Written Face have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Written Face. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Written Face parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Written Face yet.
Which OTT platform is The Written Face on?
The Written Face is streaming on OVID in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Written Face?
If you liked The Written Face, try Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe, Adele One Night Only, Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple.
Who directed The Written Face?
The Written Face (1995) was directed by Daniel Schmid and stars Tamasaburō Bandō V, Kazuo Ohno, Kai Shishido.