Cast
View All
Kinnosuke Nakamura
as Itaro of Asama
Satomi Oka
as Kayo
Keiko Okawa
as Kimi
Yumiko Hasegawa
as Sen
Kensaku Hara
as
Eijirō Kataoka
as
Michiko Hoshi
as
Juro Hoshi
as
Shizue Natsukawa
as Shima
Sōji Kiyokawa
as
Akira Kishii
as
Masao Mishima
as
Isao Yamagata
as Toragoro
Kenji Susukida
as Gohei
Masao Hori
as
Crew
Director
- Toshikazu Kono
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Roughneck From Asama 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 Toshikazu Kono 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Roughneck From Asama took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 257 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Roughneck From Asama shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Brother, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Roughneck From Asama subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like HEAT -Incandescence- PART I and Graveyard of Honor explore similar territory, Roughneck From Asama 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: December 2, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 23m
