Cast
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Isuzu Yamada
as Mineh Obah
Eiji Okada
as Kitagawa
Yoshi Katō
as Hideo Endo
Yumeji Tsukioka
as Miss Yonehara
Masaya Tsukida
as Yukio Endo as a teen
Yasumi Hara
as
Shizue Kawarazaki
as
Hatae Kishi
as
Harue Tone
as
Takashi Kanda
as Senda
Machiko Tokunaga
as
Kenji Susukida
as Dr. Nishina
Masao Mishima
as
Tokue Hanazawa
as
Kinzō Shin
as
Crew
Director
- Hideo Sekigawa
Writer
- Yasutaro Yagi
Producer
- Takero Itō
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Hiroshima 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 Hideo Sekigawa 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 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hiroshima took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- 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 Hiroshima shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In the Wake, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hiroshima subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like As You Like It and The Way of Drama explore similar territory, Hiroshima 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: October 7, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Budget: $240,000
Where to Watch
