Cast
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Akiko Nakamura
as Aki
Shin Okamoto
as Shin
Yukio Miya
as
Hisayuki Okitsu
as
Nana Ozaki
as Yukiko
Koichi Miyazaki
as
Yasuji Sato
as
Mikio Morita
as
Shinsuke Minami
as Saigo
Mutsuo Totsuka
as Togo
Shirō Itō
as Ito
Michirō Minami
as Sgt. Tachibana
Aki Izumi
as Aki Izumi
Akemi Higashiyama
as Stewardess
Michi Aoyama
as A Woman
Crew
Director
- Yoichi Maeda
Writer
- Yoichi Maeda
- Nobuhiko Kobayashi
Producer
- Akihiko Shimada
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Make Way for the Jaguars represents a fascinating example of Music/Adventure/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Yoichi Maeda 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1968, 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 Make Way for the Jaguars took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 157 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Make Way for the Jaguars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saturn Return, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Make Way for the Jaguars offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Def Leppard: And There Will Be a Next Time - Live from Detroit and The Rose explore similar territory, Make Way for the Jaguars 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: March 30, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 24m
