“Nightwatch” / 「ナイトウォッチ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1997, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) A256

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the Japanese release of Nightwatch / 「ナイトウォッチ」, Ole Bornedal’s atmospheric 1997 psychological thriller starring Ewan McGregor.

Dark, claustrophobic, and unsettling, Nightwatch is the English-language remake of Bornedal’s acclaimed 1994 Danish film Nattevagten, combining murder mystery, psychological horror, and the uniquely disturbing setting of a city morgue.

Film background

Martin Bells is a law student who accepts a night-watchman position at a city morgue. Working alone among rows of covered bodies, he soon begins experiencing unexplained disturbances during his shifts.

At the same time, a serial killer is terrorising the city. As the murders continue, evidence begins to implicate Martin, leaving him trapped between a police investigation, his increasingly unstable surroundings, and the possibility that someone is manipulating events from within the morgue.

The film was directed by Ole Bornedal, with a screenplay by Ole Bornedal and Steven Soderbergh. It stars Ewan McGregor, Patricia Arquette, Josh Brolin, Lauren Graham, and Nick Nolte.

Nightwatch is notable as one of McGregor’s early Hollywood leading roles following his breakthrough in Trainspotting. The film remains a distinctive example of late-1990s psychological horror, remembered for its oppressive atmosphere, shadowy cinematography, and strong ensemble cast.

Poster design

The poster uses a surreal and macabre composition dominated by the upside-down face of a woman submerged in water. Her pale features, closed eyes, and floating dark hair are illuminated through eerie shades of green, turquoise, yellow, and black.

The reversed orientation creates an immediate feeling of disorientation, while the watery reflections and organic textures give the image an almost dreamlike, decaying quality.

The lower section transitions into a cold morgue interior, with rows of examination tables covered by white sheets. At the centre is a small inset portrait of Ewan McGregor, his tense expression emerging from the otherwise clinical setting.

The large headline across the top reads:

「映画史上未体験、高濃度スリラー!!」

“An unprecedented experience in cinema history—a high-intensity thriller!”

The red text near the centre reads:

「夜警さん、誰かが屍体を動かしている――」

“Mr. Night Watchman, someone is moving the corpses—”

The main Japanese title:

「ナイトウォッチ」

appears in large white characters across the lower centre, with the English title “NIGHTWATCH” printed beneath it in orange lettering.

Below the title are the principal cast names:

Ewan McGregor, Patricia Arquette, Josh Brolin, and Nick Nolte

followed by the detailed English production credits.

Release note

This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release and distributed in Japan by Shochiku.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with rich colour, striking imagery, clear typography, and excellent overall display impact.

There are light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period, but overall it presents very well.

Reference: A256.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1997 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now nearly 30 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.