“Riten (The Rite)” (夜の儀式), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1970, Japanese First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) O165

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1970 for the first domestic theatrical release of Riten (The Rite) (夜の儀式), written and directed by Ingmar Bergman and released in Japan by International Promotion (IP). First-issue Japanese posters for Bergman’s late-’60s works are scarce and highly collectible.

Film background
Shot originally for Swedish television in 1969, Bergman’s chamber piece follows three controversial performers summoned by a magistrate to account for their “obscene” stage act. In a series of confrontations—accusation, confession, and ritual—the film probes censorship, guilt, performance, and power. The cast features Gunnar Björnstrand, Ingrid Thulin, Anders Ek, and Erik Hell.

Poster design
A striking, modernist country sheet: a receding cascade of rose-black frames creates a claustrophobic proscenium at top, while a grainy monochrome image of masked, leather-clad performers fills the lower field. A stark inset of a reclining figure and the bold brush title 「夜の儀式」 anchor the base, with the English titling RITEN (THE RITE) and the IP logo at right. The Eirin rating stamp appears along the footer—classic hallmarks of an authentic first-release sheet with powerful wall presence.

This poster is in excellent condition (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale).

It is over 54 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.