Mr. Shosuke Ohara 小原庄助さん

by Director Shimizu Hiroshi

This is by far my favorite classic movie from the Japanese film director Shimizu Hiroshi, “one of the least well-known” studio director of the 1930s. Director Shimizu made more than 150 films, many of which are beautiful gendai-geki (contemporary dramas). He was admired as “genius” by fellow directors such as Mizoguchi and Ozu.

Actor Ōkōchi Denjiro (a star of heroic samurai drama, also from my other article) plays the head of a respectable old-samurai household. Because he grew up as rich, and learned all prestigious samurai manners from his late father and grand-father, he cannot say “No” to any money or favor requests. He just pays and serves for everyone without thinking about the consequences. So one day, his inability to deny results in his ruin…

No one can take eyes off from this charming actor Ōkōchi and those greedy (and somehow funny) people around him. The plot, cinematography, acting, etc. will inspire and charm all generation. This is a must-see classic gem I recommend for all future movie directors.

Mr. Shosuke Ohara 小原庄助さん
Shimizu Hiroshi
Japan 1949
91 min. 16 mm

For The Cinematheque, Vancouver
Postwar Films by Shimizu Hiroshi
June 14-23, 2024