A Straightforward Boy (1929)
"Tokkan kozô" (original title)

Director:

Yasujirô Ozu

Writers:

O. Henry (story), Tadao Ikeda,

Stars:

Tatsuo Saitô, Tomio Aoki, Takeshi Sakamoto

Cast

Cast overview:
Tatsuo Saitô	...	Bunkichi, a kidnapper
Tomio Aoki	...	Tetsubo
Takeshi Sakamoto	...	Boss Gontora

Storyline

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Genres:

Comedy | Short

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Details

Country:

Japan

Release Date:

24 November 1929 (Japan)

Also Known As:

A Straightforward Boy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shochiku Kinema (Kamata)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

14 min 14 min (extant fragments)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Once Upon a Time in the West

This is an unremarkable adventure until its provenance seeps in. It is extremely well made in all respects, and that's rare enough in that era. And its remarkably western in all its dramatic values, which is quite a shock when you know that Kurosawa was ignored in Japan for being too "Western." Yes, there's some noticeable Kabuki style acting, especially when a comedy sequence is immanent, and when the kidnapper reacts. But it far less pronounced than in nearly any other Japanese film I've seen up to the current period where stylish violence is the basis. But then even the vacant hero's stare is from No.

This is effective, but more than that it is shocking, so western. But this was before the three great Asian wars of the 20th century.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.