Japanese Girls at the Harbor - 1933- A Japanese Silent Film Directed by Hiroshi Shimizu. It is based on the novel of the same name by Toma Kitabayashi .- 1 Hour 11 minutes..

 Available on YouTube with Captions in several languages 

• The story follows Sunako, a mixed-race teenager living in Yokohama, Japan, in the early 1930s. Sunako attends a Catholic school and navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal. When a charming playboy named Henry enters their lives, he disrupts the dynamic between Sunako and her best friend, Dora. A passionate, yet short-lived affair with Henry leaves Sunako heartbroken and consumed by jealousy. This emotional turmoil culminates in a tragic act of violence that forever alters the lives of all involved.

Themes: The film explores themes of love, loss, jealousy, redemption, and the societal challenges faced by mixed-race individuals in Japan during that era. Shimizu masterfully utilizes visual storytelling techniques and innovative camerawork to convey the characters' inner turmoil and the emotional weight of their actions.

Critical Acclaim: "Japanese Girls at the Harbor" is considered a masterpiece of Japanese Silent Film.

Cast: The film stars Michiko Oikawa as Sunako, Yumeko Aizome as Dora, and Ken Uehara as Henry.

• Cinematography: The film's cinematography is notable for its use of close-ups, expressive lighting, and dynamic camera movements.

"If you're interested in delving deeper into Shimizu's filmography, here are some recommendations:

Four Seasons of Childhood (1939): A heartwarming collection of four interconnected stories about children, showcasing Shimizu's talent for capturing the magic of childhood.

An Inn of Tokyo (1935): A charming comedy of errors set in a bustling Tokyo inn, offering a slice-of-life look at pre-war urban Japan.

The Loyal Wife (1953): A historical drama based on a kabuki play, showcasing Shimizu's ability to adapt traditional stories for the screen." From Bard

A Page of Madness (狂った一頁, Kurutta Ichipeiji) is a 1926 Japanese silent experimental horror film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa

 

Available on YouTube 

A Page of Madness (1926)

Written by Yasunari Kawabata & Teinosuke Kinugasa & Minoru Inuzuka & Banko Sawada

Based on the short story by Yasunari Kawabata

Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa

Starring Masuo Inoue, Ayako Iijima, Yoshie Nakagawa

Released September 24, 1926 (Japan)

RT 78 min.

This is a very strange movie. I was fascinated by the bizarre images from the start. There are no Subtitles. In Japan in 1926 silent films had in theater narrators who would have explained the actions on screen. I confess I could not very much follow the plot but I loved this unique movie.  Once I read the Bard post it all made sense

"The film is set in a mental institution in  Japan and tells the story of a man who takes a job as a janitor there in order to be close to his wife, who is a patient. He becomes increasingly obsessed with her and attempts to break her out, but his plans are thwarted by the asylum's staff. The film is notable for its use of innovative cinematic techniques, such as double exposure, superimposition, and rapid editing, which create a disorienting and dreamlike atmosphere.

• Lost and Found: The film was lost for 45 years until it was rediscovered by Kinugasa in his storehouse in 1971. It has since been restored and is now considered one of the most important silent films ever made.

• Avant-garde: "A Page of Madness" was created by a group of artists known as the Shinkankakuha, or School of New Perceptions. This group was dedicated to pushing the boundaries of film and creating works that were both experimental and emotionally resonant.

• Critical Acclaim: The film has been praised for its originality, its visual style, and its performances. It has been cited as an influence on a number of filmmakers, including David Lynch and Akira Kurosawa.

Here are some additional details about "A Page of Madness":

• Cast: Masao Inoue, Yoshie Nakagawa, Ayako Iijima

• Music: The film was originally accompanied by live benshi narration and music. A number of different scores have been composed for the film since its rediscovery." From Bard

Orochi- A 1925 Japanese Silent Film - Directed by Buntarō Futagawa - 1 Hour 5 minutes

 Available on YouTube 

Orochi is one of the earliest surviving Japanese films from 1925. At almost a hundred years old the film is significant as a piece of history. The film is directed by Buntarō Futagawa and stars Tsumasaburō Bandō, as a disgraced samurai who is shunned from society and seen as a villain. The film was originally called ‘Outlaw’, which was blocked by censors due to not wanting to make an outlaw seem like a hero and then changed to Orochi, meaning Serpent. Thankfully the moral ambiguity of the characters is still evident in the final film.

Story and Significance:

A compelling anti-hero: The film tells the story of Kunitomi, a skilled but ostracized samurai wrongly accused of a crime and cast out from his clan. He descends into the criminal underworld, but despite his circumstances, retains his strong sense of morality and loyalty. This focus on a flawed and complex protagonist challenged the typical samurai narratives of the time, making "Orochi" a groundbreaking and insightful film.

Social commentary: The film weaves a powerful critique of feudalism and its rigid social structures. Kunitomi's downfall is not just due to personal misfortune, but also a result of the corrupt and unjust system he's trapped in. "Orochi" resonated with audiences facing similar societal struggles in the Taisho era, a period of modernization and political upheaval in Japan.

Masterful action and drama: Despite being silent, "Orochi" delivers thrilling sword fight sequences and emotionally charged scenes. Bandō's charismatic performance further elevates the film, showcasing his incredible skills as a swordsman and actor.

Legacy and Influence:

Critical acclaim: "Orochi" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, solidifying Bandō's stardom and establishing Futagawa as a leading director. It gained international recognition as well, garnering praise for its technical prowess and powerful storytelling.

Preservation and restoration: Sadly, like many silent films, "Orochi" was considered lost for decades. However, fragments were discovered in the early 2000s, and a painstaking restoration effort brought the film back to life. 

Inspiration for future generations: "Orochi" continues to inspire filmmakers and film scholars today. Its innovative narrative, social awareness, and stunning visuals have cemented its place as a classic of Japanese cinema.

"Buntarō Futagawa: A Pioneering Figure in Japanese Cinema

Buntarō Futagawa (1899-1966) was a trailblazing Japanese film director and writer who left his mark on the silent era of Japanese cinema. Known for his innovative narratives and powerful social commentary, Futagawa's films continue to be celebrated and studied today.

Here are some key points about Futagawa:

Early Life and Career: Born in Tokyo in 1899, Futagawa started his career in the film industry in 1921. He worked as both an actor and director, often collaborating with renowned actor Tsumasaburō Bandō.

Orochi and Beyond: Futagawa's most recognized work is the 1925 film "Orochi" ("The Serpent"), a silent samurai drama that captivated audiences with its action-packed sequences, complex protagonist, and critique of feudalism. Other notable films include "Shisen ni tateba" ("Standing by the Abyss", 1924) and "Ekisutora gâru" ("Express Train", 1925).

Style and Impact: Futagawa's films were known for their dynamic camerawork, innovative editing techniques, and focus on social themes. He explored the lives of marginalized individuals and challenged traditional narratives, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers." From Bard

 

Osaka Elegy (浪華悲歌, Naniwa Erejii) is a 1936 Japanese drama film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi - 1 hour 11 Minutes

 Available on YouTube 

Osaka Elegy (浪華悲歌, Naniwa erejī) is a 1936 Japanese drama film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. It stars Isuzu Yamada as Ayako Murai, a switchboard operator who becomes the mistress of her boss, Mr. Asai, in order to support her family. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it established Mizoguchi as a major filmmaker.

 Ayako is switchboard operator who lives with her father, a scoundrel who has embezzled money from his company. To save her father from going to prison, Ayako becomes the mistress of her boss, Mr. Asai. She also sends money to her brother, Hiroshi, to paying his tuition.

Ayako's life becomes increasingly difficult as she tries to balance her responsibilities to her family with her own desires. She is constantly worried about her father, who is always getting into trouble. She is also in love with a man named Nishimura, but she knows that she can never marry him because she is a mistress.

Osaka Elegy is a powerful and moving film about the sacrifices that women make for their families. It is a film that is still relevant today, as women continue to struggle to balance their work and family lives.

As a history lesson it gives us a glimpse into life in Japan in the 1930s

"Kenji Mizoguchi (溝口 健二, Mizoguchi Kenji, 16 May 1898 – 24 August 1956) was a Japanese filmmaker who directed roughly one hundred films during his career between 1923 and 1956. His most acclaimed works include The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums (1939), The Life of Oharu (1952), Ugetsu (1953), and Sansho the Bailiff (1954), with the latter three all being awarded at the Venice International Film Festival. A recurring theme of his films was the oppression of women in historical and contemporary Japan." From Bard

I hope to post upon at least the four films mentioned above.

Fires on the Plain (野火, Nobi) is a 1959 Japanese war film directed by Kon Ichikawa, starring Eiji Funakosh - 0ne Hour Fifty minutes

 Available on YouTube with English Captions 

Ten years ago I read Fires On The Plain by Shohei Ooka (1951, translated from the Japanese by Ivan Morris, 1957, 246 pages)

Here is a portion of my post on the novel.

"Shohei Ooka (1909 to 1988-Tokyo) is know for one  famous book, Fires On The Plain.   He was one of the first Japanese authors to write fiction based on the Japanese experience in WWII.   Ooka was a French scholar and translator.    He translated The Red and the Black and  The Charter House of Parma both by Stendhal into Japanese.   In January of 1944 he was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army and after a brief training was sent to the southern Philippines to fight the Americans and Filipino resistance forces.   In January 1945 he became a prisoner of war of the Americans.

I decided I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw it was about a Japanese soldier's experience in the Philippines in WWII.    A few members of my family still have living memories of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. "

 

I was delighted to find a highly regarded movie based on Fires in the Plain on YouTube 

The film follows a tubercular Japanese private, Tamura (Funakoshi), and his attempt to stay alive during the latter part of World War II. Tamura and his fellow soldiers are stranded in the jungles of the Philippines after the American army has returned. The Japanese army remnants have taken to the jungle after being driven out of the main cities. The Filipinos, after suffering a brutal Japanese occupation, are in little mood to show mercy on their former tormentors, and light the titular bonfires for communication. Japanese soldiers are reduced to little more than bandits and murderers as their supplies dry up and they are encircled by the American-Filipino forces.

Tamura is abandoned by his unit and forced to fend for himself. He is weak and sick, and must scavenge for food and water. He encounters other Japanese soldiers who have been reduced to madness and desperation. Some have resorted to cannibalism. Tamura himself is tempted to eat the flesh of a dead soldier, but he manages to resist.

Fires on the Plain is a powerful and disturbing film that depicts the brutality of war and the dehumanizing effects of conflict. It is a film that stays with you long after you have seen it.

The film was initially received mixed reviews from both Japanese and international critics concerning its violence and bleak theme. In following decades, however, it has become highly regarded and is now considered to be one of the greatest Japanese war films ever made. 

Mel Ulm

Shozo, a Cat and Two Women- A 1956 Movie Directed by Shiró Toyoda - Based on a Novel by Junichiro Tanizaki - 2 hours 16 Minutes

Shozo, A Cat and Two Women (猫と庄造と二人のをんな, Neko to Shōzō to Futari no Onna) is a 1956 Japanese comedy-drama film directed by Shirō Toyoda and starring Hisaya Morishige, Isuzu Yamada, and Kyōko Kagawa. It is based on the 1936 novella of the same name by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.

The film tells the story of Shōzō, a timid man who is dominated by his mother and his two wives. His first wife, Shinako, is boring and traditional, while his second wife, Fukuko, is trampish and crude. Shōzō finds solace in the company of his cat, Lily, who is the only one who truly understands him.

When Shinako moves out, Shōzō's mother, Orin, encourages him to marry Fukuko, the young daughter of his wealthy uncle Nakajima. Shōzō is initially reluctant, but he eventually agrees to the marriage.

However, Shōzō's new marriage does not bring him the happiness he had hoped for. Fukuko is just as demanding as Shinako, and she is also unfaithful and abusive  to him. Shōzō becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, and he finds himself turning to Lily more and more for companionship.

Shozo, A Cat and Two Women is a scathing satire of Japanese society and the traditional roles of men and women. It is also a moving story about a man's search for love and acceptance.

The film was critically acclaimed upon its release, and it won several awards, including the Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film. It is considered to be one of the finest Japanese films of the 1950s.

As a lifetime cat lover I was deeply moved by this film. If possible read the short novel by Junichiro Tanizaki first.

I have located two  other movies on YouTube based on a novel by Tanizaki, The Makioka Sisters and They Key which I hope to watch soon.

The Burmese Harp - A 1956 Movie Directed by Kon Ichikawa - run time 1 Hour 56 minutes

 Available on YouTube and The Criterion Channel with English Subtitles 

Kon Ichikawa was a Japanese film director and screenwriter. His work displays a vast range in genre and style, from the anti-war films The Burmese Harp and Fires on the Plain, to the documentary Tokyo Olympiad, which won two BAFTA Film Awards, and the 19th-century revenge drama An Actor's Revenge. 

The Burmese Harp (ビルマの竪琴, Biruma no Tategoto) is a 1956 Japanese drama film directed by Kon Ichikawa. Based on a  novel of the same name written by Michio Takeyama, it tells the story of Japanese soldiers who fought in the Burma Campaign during World War II. A member of the group goes missing after the war, and the soldiers hope to uncover whether their friend survived, and if he is the same person as a Buddhist monk they see playing a harp. The film was among the first to show the losses of the war from a Japanese soldier's perspective.

The film is divided into two parts. The first part depicts the Japanese soldiers fighting in the Burmese jungle. They are exhausted and demoralized, but they find solace in music and singing. The second part follows Private Mizushima (Shôji Yasui), the harp player, after he has disguised himself as a Buddhist monk. He travels through the countryside, playing his harp and spreading a message of peace.

The Burmese Harp is a powerful and moving film that explores the themes of war, peace, 

The Burmese Harp is a powerful and moving film that explores the themes of war, peace, and redemption. It is also a beautiful and lyrical film, with stunning cinematography and haunting music by Akira Ifukube.

The film was a critical and commercial success in Japan, and it won numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. It has also been praised by critics and filmmakers around the world, and it is considered to be one of the greatest Japanese films ever made.

In addition to its artistic merits, The Burmese Harp is also significant for its historical importance. It was one of the first Japanese films to confront the realities of World War II head-on. The film's message of peace and reconciliation was particularly relevant in Japan in the mid-1950s, as the country was still recovering from the war

I found the scenes depicting life in Burma with the beautiful temples as background very moving.  

I hope to watch the director 's Fires on the Plain soon.

What Did the Lady Forget?- A 1937 Movie Directed by Yasujiro Ozu- Run Time 1 Hour 15 minutes

 Available on YouTube with English Subtitles


Prior Films by Yasujiro Ozu I have posted upon


Tokyo Story - 1953


There Was A Father - 1952


The film tells the story of Komiya (Chishu Ryu), a middle-class professor who lives a comfortable but somewhat uneventful life with his strict and traditional wife, Tokiko (Yoshiko Kuga). One day, Komiya's niece, Setsuko (Sumiko Kurishima), comes to visit from Osaka. Setsuko is a liberated young woman who smokes in public and has a modern outlook on life. Tokiko is initially disapproving of Setsuko's behavior, but she eventually begins to soften towards her.

Meanwhile, Komiya is feeling restless and bored in his marriage. He tells Setsuko that he has to go on a weekend golfing trip to Izu, but he actually plans to spend the time with a geisha. However, he changes his mind at the last minute and decides to go home instead.

When Komiya arrives home, he finds that Tokiko has left. She has left a note saying that she is going to visit her parents in the countryside. Komiya is confused and upset. He doesn't know why Tokiko left, or when she will be back.

Komiya spends the next few days trying to figure out what happened to Tokiko. He talks to her friends and family, but no one seems to know where she is. He eventually realizes that Tokiko left because she was unhappy in their marriage. She felt that he was taking her for granted, and that he didn't appreciate her.

Komiya finally realizes that he needs to make some changes in his life. He needs to be more attentive to Tokiko and show her how much he loves her. He also needs to start living his own life and not just the life that she wants him to live.

In the end, Tokiko returns home and they reconcile. However, the film ends with a question mark, suggesting that their relationship is still in flux.



What Did the Lady Forget? is a complex and nuanced film that explores a variety of themes, including marital relations, gender roles, and social change. It is a beautifully made film with a timeless message.

I very much enjoyed the depiction of the visit of the husband and his niece to a geisha house and the visit of the wife and her friends to a Kubiki Theater.  The conversations of the wife with her friends gives us a look into how upper-class Japanese women looked upon marriage in the 1950s. Plus it was fun to seem them banter with each other. The niece represents perhaps the emerging post war Japanese woman.

Mel Ulm

Seven Samurai- A 1954 Movie Directed by Akira Kurosawa - Run Time 3 Hours 30 minutes

 

https://archive.org/details/seven-samurai

A very illuminating commentary 

"The movie is long (207 minutes), with an intermission, and yet it moves quickly because the storytelling is so clear, there are so many sharply defined characters, and the action scenes have a thrilling sweep. Nobody could photograph men in action better than Kurosawa. One of his particular trademarks is the use of human tides, sweeping down from higher places to lower ones, and he loves to devise shots in which the camera follows the rush and flow of an action, instead of cutting it up into separate shots. His use of closeups in some of the late battle scenes perhaps was noticed Orson Welles, who in "Falstaff” conceals a shortage of extras by burying the camera in a Kurosawian tangle of horses, legs, and swords." Roger Ebert 

Seven Samurai (七人の侍, Shichinin no Samurai) is a 1954 Japanese epic samurai film co-written, edited, and directed by Akira Kurosawa. Taking place in 1586 in the Sengoku period of Japanese history, it follows the story of a village of desperate farmers who seek to hire rōnin (masterless samurai) to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops.

The film stars Toshirō Mifune as Kikuchiyo, a wild and unruly samurai who is initially rejected by the farmers but eventually proves to be one of their most valuable allies. The other samurai are played by Takashi Shimura, Yukiko Shimazaki, Yoshio Inaba, Keisuke Hama, Daisuke Katō, and Seiji Miyaguchi.

Seven Samurai was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since gone on to be considered one of the greatest films ever made. It has been praised for its epic scope, its complex and well-developed characters, its stunning visuals, and its timeless themes of good versus evil, courage, and sacrifice.

The film has also been highly influential, inspiring countless other films and television shows, including the Hollywood Western The Magnificent Seven (1960). Seven Samurai is a truly essential film for any fan of cinema.

Here are some of the things that make Seven Samurai so special:

Its epic scope and scale. The film is over three hours long and features a cast of dozens of characters, but Kurosawa never loses control of the story. He masterfully weaves together the different storylines and character arcs to create a film that is both both intimate and epic.

Its complex and well-developed characters. Each of the seven samurai is a unique and memorable character, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Kurosawa also takes the time to develop the characters of the farmers, and the relationship between the samurai and the villagers is one of the most compelling aspects of the film.

Its stunning visuals. Seven Samurai is one of the most visually stunning films ever made. Kurosawa and cinematographer Asakazu Nakai use a variety of techniques, such as deep focus, low-angle shots, and sweeping camera movements, to create a truly immersive and cinematic experience

Mel Ulm .

There Was a Father is a 1942 Film - Directed by Yasujirō Ozu. The film stars Chishū Ryū as Shuhei Horikawa - Run time One Hour and 34 minutes

 Available on YouTube with English Subtitles 

Originally released in 1942 during World War Two, the only surviving prints were clipped by censors under orders of General MacArthur to remove what were viewed then as scenes celebrating the Japanese war efforts.

The film stars Chishū Ryū as Shuhei Horikawa, a widower and schoolteacher who struggles to raise his young son Ryohei (Haruhiko Tsuda) alone. After a tragedy involving the death of one of his students, , Horikawa resigns his position and moves to the country with his son. As Ryohei grows and needs better schooling, Horikawa makes the difficult decision to move to the city for better paying work. The father and son then spend the next decade or more barely seeing one another, as the grown son attends university and then begins work in another city.

The film follows the father and son over the course of many years, as they experience both joy and sorrow.

Shuhei Horikawa is a widower who works as a mathematics teacher. He has a ten-year-old son named Ryohei.

One day, while on an excursion with his class, one of Shuhei's students drowns. Shuhei blames himself for the accident and quits his teaching job.

He moves to the countryside with Ryohei, where he finds a new job as a clerk.

Ryohei grows up and goes to college. He gets a job as a teacher in another city.

Shuhei and Ryohei rarely see each other, but they remain close.

In the end, Shuhei dies peacefully in his sleep.

The film is set in the early 1940s, during World War II. This historical context is important to the film, as it reflects the challenges that Japanese families faced during this time. The film also explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and family.

There Was a Father is a beautifully made film with a moving story. It is a classic of Japanese cinema and is considered one of Ozu's best films

The film explores the themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and duty. It is a quiet and understated film, but it is also deeply moving. Ozu's use of traditional Japanese techniques, such as low-angle shots and long takes.

Like A Tokyo Story death of parents and spouses are central to this film.

The scenes of the students reunion made me wonder how many of the actors would survive the war.

There are a number of Yasujiro Ozu's films on YouTube with Subtitles and in time I hope to watch them all.

Mel Ulm

Tokyo Story - A 1953 Movie Directed by Yasujiro Ozu - starring Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama

 

Tokyo Story is about an aging couple who travel to Tokyo to visit their grown children. The film was a critical and commercial success in Japan, but it did not receive international recognition until the 1970s. It is now considered one of the greatest films ever made.

The film tells the story of Shukishi and Tomi Hirayama, an elderly couple who travel from their small seaside village to Tokyo to visit their grown children. Their elder son, Koichi, is a doctor who is busy with his work and his young family. Their daughter, Shige, is a hairdresser who is also busy with her work and her husband. The only child who has time for them is their daughter-in-law, Noriko, who is the widow of their younger son who was killed in the war.

The Hirayamas are disappointed by the lack of attention they receive from their children. Koichi and Shige are too busy with their own lives to spend much time with them. Noriko tries to be a good hostess, but she is also busy with her own work. The Hirayamas feel like they are a burden to their children and they start to feel lonely and isolated.

Tokyo Story is a beautifully made film that is both moving and thought-provoking. It is a film about the importance of family and the challenges of aging. It is also a film about the changing values of Japanese society in the post-war era.

Here are some of the things that make Tokyo Story a great film:

The acting is superb. Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama give heartbreaking performances as the elderly Hirayamas. Setsuko Hara is also excellent as Noriko.

The direction is masterful. Ozu uses his trademark low-angle shots and long takes to create a sense of intimacy and realism.

The writing is sharp and insightful. The film explores complex themes of family, aging, and loss with honesty and compassion.

The cinematography is beautiful. The film is beautifully shot in black and white and it captures the sights and sounds of post-war Tokyo.

Tokyo Story is a must-see for any fan of cinema. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

The film is set in 1953 post-war Japan, a few years after the new Civil Code of 1948 stimulated the country's rapid re-growth and embraced Western capitalist ideals while simultaneously destroying older traditions such as the Japanese family and its values. Ozu was very close to his own mother, living with her as a surrogate wife and never marrying. Ozu called Tokyo Story "the film that tends most strongly to melodrama." It is considered a Shomin-geki film for its depiction of working-class people.

"Ozu was born in Tokyo in 1903. He began his career as a film assistant in the 1920s and directed his first film in 1927. He made over 50 films over the course of his career, including such classics as Tokyo Story (1953), Late Spring (1949), and An Autumn Afternoon (1962).

Ozu's films are often praised for their simplicity and understated beauty. He was a master of capturing the small moments of everyday life, and his films often have a wistful, nostalgic quality. Ozu was also a pioneer in the use of sound in film, and his films often feature long, uninterrupted takes that allow the viewer to immerse themselves in the world of the film" Bard

I intend to watch and post on all of his films on YouTube that have English Subtitles

Mel ulm

Tokyo Story is Available on YouTube with English Subtitles