Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Toshirô Mifune | ... | Ichirô Aoye | |
Shirley Yamaguchi | ... | Miyako Saijo (as Yoshiko Yamaguchi) | |
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Yôko Katsuragi | ... | Masako Hiruta |
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Noriko Sengoku | ... | Sumie |
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Eitarô Ozawa | ... | Hori |
Takashi Shimura | ... | Otokichi Hiruta | |
Shin'ichi Himori | ... | Editor Asai | |
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Ichirô Shimizu | ... | Arai |
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Fumiko Okamura | ... | Miyako's mother |
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Masao Shimizu | ... | Judge |
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Tanie Kitabayashi | ... | Yasu Hiruta |
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Sugisaku Aoyama | ... | Dr. Kataoka |
Kokuten Kôdô | ... | Old Man A | |
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Kichijirô Ueda | ... | Old Man B |
Bokuzen Hidari | ... | Drunk |
Famous singer Miyako Saijo, who is publicity shy, and motorbiking artist Ichirô Aoye, who has minor celebrity, meet by chance in Kappazawa while Ichirô is on a painting expedition, and Miyako is on a retreat. As she has missed her bus to Kaminoyu and as Ichirô is heading there anyway, he offers her a ride to the resort where both of them are staying and which is largely empty as it is the off season. As he visits her in her room solely as a measure of friendship and camaraderie, they are unaware that a paparazzo working for scandal sheet Amour has taken a photograph of the two of them together on her balcony. Hori, Amour's publisher, decides to print the photograph along with an accompanying salacious story on what could have happened based on the photograph, but which is a total fabrication. Hori has done such before with other celebrities, never having been sued as he believes his subjects either like the publicity or are too busy or scared to take action. A libel suit he feels will... Written by Huggo
This Kurasawa film, starring the ubiquitous Toshiro Mifune is exactly what most film fans do NOT expect. This is NOT a samurai film and there is no killing and it was set in the present-day. Unfortunately, because of these factors it is seldom shown on TV and has been largely ignored by Kurasawa buffs. This is a real shame because I think it's one of his best--due to wonderful writing and characterizations.
The story begins with Mifune on vacation. He's in the mountains painting for relaxation when he accidentally meets up with a famous female celebrity. He drives her back to the inn they are both staying at and the next day they happen to meet again and share breakfast. Nothing illicit--just two nice people sharing time together. However, unknown to them, they are seen and photographed by sleazy tabloid writers who try to create scandal.
The star is't terribly bothered by the mess but Mifune sees this as a great dishonor and he MUST gain satisfaction from the rag. They refuse to relent and so Mifune seeks out legal representation to sue.
This is only the first third of the movie. The alcoholic lawyer and his handicapped daughter make up a powerful and importance presence in the movie. The ending is NOT TO BE MISSED--I couldn't have wanted a better human drama or better acting. Wonderful and true throughout.