"Kinkakuji, proclaimed as a national treasure and regarded as one of the tourist attractions of Kyoto, was burned down by an apprentice priest in the year 1950. This is a film version of the novel written by MISHIMA YUKIO based on the fact. Long sessions of arguments took place prior to the filming however with Kinkakuji whose priesthood refused to have that name used and thus, the name Shukaku was used. The leading figure, whose admiration of Shukaku borders on the absurd is well played by ICHIKAWA RAIZO which won for him the Kinema Junpo and Blue Ribbon Award for the Best Performance by an Actor. The part of the depraved and corrupt priest played by NAKAMURA GANJIRO won the Mainichi Film Contest and Blue Ribbon Award for the Best Performance by a Supporting Actor."

Image ©1958 Kadokawa Pictures