Cast
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Toshirō Mifune
as Matsugorō Tomishima
Hideko Takamine
as Yoshiko Yoshioka
Hiroshi Akutagawa
as Capitaine Kotaro Yoshioka
Chōko Iida
as Otora
Chishū Ryū
as Shigezo Yuki
Haruo Tanaka
as
Jun Tatara
as
Seiji Miyaguchi
as
Ichirō Arishima
as
Bokuzen Hidari
as
Yoshio Tsuchiya
as
Kenji Kasahara
as
Yoshio Kosugi
as
Junji Hirana
as
Tsuruko Umano
as
Crew
Director
- Hiroshi Inagaki
Producer
- Tomoyuki Tanaka
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Rickshaw Man 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 Hiroshi Inagaki 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 1958, 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 The Rickshaw Man took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Rickshaw Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Alfie, which focuses more on action than character development, The Rickshaw Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pale Rider and Είσαι Στην ΕΟΚ, Μάθε Για Την ΕΟΚ explore similar territory, The Rickshaw Man stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: April 21, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 43m
Where to Watch
