Cast
View All
Chiezō Kataoka
as Akanishi Kakita / Kai Harada
Michisaburō Segawa
as Date Hyobu
Seinosuke Hayashi
as
Kunitaro Bando
as
Takeo Yano
as
Riki Akazawa
as
Emiko Yanagi
as
Kensaku Hara
as
Taeko Hira
as
Sayoko Kasumi
as
Shizuko Takizawa
as
Arata Shibata
as
Kōichi Katsuragi
as
Tadashi Torii
as
Yōko Umemura
as Masaoka
Crew
Director
- Mansaku Itami
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Akanishi Kakita examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mansaku Itami brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1936, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Akanishi Kakita took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 77 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Akanishi Kakita shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rashomon, which focuses more on action than character development, Akanishi Kakita offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Out of Africa and Seven Samurai explore similar territory, Akanishi Kakita stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 18, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 17m
