Cast
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Rie Nakagawa
as Yukie Komaki
Hajime Mitamura
as Haruhiko Komaki
Keiko Maki
as Kazuyo
Kazuko Shirakawa
as Akiko
Ryûji Ôizumi
as Tetsuya Kirimoto
Keisuke Yukioka
as Arashiyama Kitamura
Hiroshi Chō
as Dr. Yano
Mitsuko Aoi
as Yukie's Mother
Chieko Harada
as Miho
Chie Kanai
as Takako
Yoshie Kitsuda
as Reiko Itsuki
Yachiyo Satô
as Kaoru
Crew
Director
- Noboru Tanaka
Producer
- Yasushi Takeda
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Dewdrops on the Petals 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 Noboru Tanaka 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 1972, 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 Dewdrops on the Petals took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1204 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dewdrops on the Petals shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Newaza Gal: Straight From Behind, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dewdrops on the Petals subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like From Friendship to Lust and House with a Good View 3 explore similar territory, Dewdrops on the Petals 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: February 9, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 10m
