Osaka Elegy (1936)

About Osaka Elegy - Plot and Summary

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, "Osaka Elegy" is a prominent pre-war Japanese film that demonstrates a perfect blend of realism and melodrama. The story revolves around Ayako, played by Isuzu Yamada, a young switchboard operator who, under the burden of her father's debt, becomes the mistress of her boss. The film delves deeper to explore the societal norms, expectations, and the barriers women faced in Japan during the 1930s.

Making / Production

The movie, produced by Daiichi Eiga, was helmed by one of Japan’s key directors - Kenji Mizoguchi. He took on the whole production process with the aim of portraying the societal pressures faced by modern Japanese women. Working with cinematographer Minoru Miki, Mizoguchi designed long takes and stylish tracking shots that directed the viewer's attention to the plight and the emotional dynamics of the characters.

Actors

• Isuzu Yamada as Ayako Murai: Skillfully handles her character's vulnerability and resilience, showing a woman compromised by her circumstances but unbroken in spirit.
• Seiichi Takegawa as Susumu Nishimura: Portrays the manipulative boss with a delicate balance of charm and cruelty.
• Benkei Shiganoya as Ayako's Father: Captures the desperation and selfishness of a father who sacrifices his daughter to clear his debt.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie is one of Mizoguchi's seventeen surviving pre-war films out of 43 he directed.
• Isuzu Yamada, known for her strong character portrayals, gained considerable fame after this film.
• The film is notable for its contemporary setting, a rarity for Mizoguchi who often preferred period dramas.

Quotes

• "This world isn't a nice place and the sooner you know it the better."
• "If a woman falls once, she's fallen forever."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score by Shiro Fukai perfectly compliments the melodramatic and poignant moments of the film.
• The soundscape of the city of Osaka plays a vital character in itself, adding layers to the narrative's emotional depth.