Another piece inspired by one of the great writers of Japan’s past, in this case Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725), sometimes called the ‘Shakespeare of Japan’, marks the fourth installment of Japan House London’s film season exploring Mizoguchi Kenji’s works from the 1950s. Chikamatsu wrote both for the kabuki stage and for the bunraku puppet theatre; and a bunraku play was the source of this story of star-crossed lovers, a merchant’s wife and his apprentice. 

Although perhaps less celebrated abroad than some of his other late period films, this meticulously written tragedy, filmed in elegant long takes, is one of Mizoguchi’s most admired films in Japan. Kurosawa Akira acclaimed it as “a great masterpiece that could only have been made by Mizoguchi.” Boasting an atmospheric, almost painting-like staging, this poignant tale of forbidden love is ultimately a cautionary tale about morality and fate, with money as a herald of societal oppression. One of Mizoguchi’s major topics, which appears in many of his works, is money, which represents the reality of coercion in human civilization: for his characters, money becomes an essential requirement as well as an outcome of delusion. 

Two great stars create the roles of the central couple. Celebrated for his acting abilities, physical prowess and beauty, Hasegawa Kazuo (1908-84) was one of the most popular actors in Japanese screen history, appearing in over three hundred films over three and a half decades. The gentle and sympathetic Kagawa Kyōko (b.1931), played important roles for most of the great Japanese directors of the 1950s. She is most famous internationally for her role as Anju in Mizoguchi’s SanshōDayū, also showing in this retrospective in June, and as the younger daughter, Kyoko, in Ozu’s TokyoMonogatari(Tokyo Story, 1953). 

The screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles. Duration: approx. 102mins 

Please note that this movie is rated PG and is therefore not considered suitable for an audience younger than 8 years old unaccompanied. 

Guests who are booked to attend the screening can also enjoy 10% off drinks at The Stand on their way in. 

Text written in collaboration with Alexander Jacoby; image ©Kadokawa Corporation 1954., Ltd

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