Cast
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Hideko Takamine
as Yuri
Akira Kishii
as Yatahachi
Chizuko Kanda
as Fujiko
Sachiko Murase
as Mrs. Hayakawa
Kazuko Enami
as Woman Hiking
Hiroshi Imaizumi
as Kengo Mizutani
Toshiko Itō
as Mrs. Mizutani
Hinako Katagiri
as Sueko Mizutani
Hirokuni Koyama
as Jinkichi Mizutani
Shoji Maruyama
as Bellboy Yamada
Kazuko Matsudairia
as Hotel Maid Kikue
Ko Mihashi
as Mr. Hayakawa
Teruko Miyano
as Woman Hiking
Hideo Saeki
as Man Hiking
Kenji Sakakida
as Hotel Manager
Crew
Director
- Toshio Ōtani
Producer
- Ryo Takei
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Rainbow Hill represents a fascinating example of 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 Toshio Ōtani 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 1938, 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 Rainbow Hill took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 55 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 87 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2456 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- 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 Rainbow Hill shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Friend of the World, which focuses more on action than character development, Rainbow Hill offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like I Can Only See and The Old Army Game explore similar territory, Rainbow Hill stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 11, 1938
- Runtime: 55m
