Caterpillar (2010): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2010, Caterpillar is a drama and war film directed by Kōji Wakamatsu, running about 87 minutes.

What it’s about. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940, Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as a honored and decorated soldier but deprived of his arms and legs lost in battle. All hopes, from the villagers and women to close family members, turn to Shigeko, the Lieutenant's wife. She must honor the Emperor and the country in setting an example for all by fulfilling her duty and taking care of the 'god soldier'. Kurokawa prior to leaving to fight in the war regularly beat and berated his wife for her barrenness and inability to bring him a son. When he returns home as an amputee with no hearing and no speech, his wife dutifully attends to him, even though he shows little appreciation for her dedicated care. His main concerns are getting fed and getting sex. Even in his own degraded condition, he manages to berate his wife. Eventually, though, his own memories infiltrate and he is haunted by his horrible, sadistic deeds, performed while in the duty of the Japanese military.

Who’s in it. Caterpillar stars Shinobu Terajima as Shigeko Kurokawa, Keigo Kasuya as Tadashi Kurokawa, Sabu Kawahara and Maki Ishikawa, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, Caterpillar has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Caterpillar page.

If you liked it. Fans of Caterpillar tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.