Cast
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Jirō Tamiya
as Yutaka Asahina
Junko Kano
as Masako Usami
Eiji Funakoshi
as Kimio Hiraki
Hideo Takamatsu
as Toru Onoda
Ichirō Sugai
as Mawatari
Kichijirō Ueda
as Matoba Syumatsu
Reiko Shirai
as Aiko Hiraki
Sachiko Meguro
as Hisako Onoda
Toshiko Hasegawa
as Katsuko
Takashi Nakamura
as Satoshi Kawae
Yosuke Takemura
as Kiichiro Seki
Yūji Moriya
as Tadashi Uchida
Bontarō Miake
as Kihachi Oguri
Kenichi Tani
as Tatsuro Shimamoto
Tatsuo Hanabu
as Tadokoro
Crew
Director
- Yasuzō Masumura
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Black Test Car 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 Yasuzō Masumura 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 1962, 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 Black Test Car took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1656 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1962, 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 Black Test Car shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Little Nikita, which focuses more on action than character development, Black Test Car offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sven Tuuva the Hero and Sebastian explore similar territory, Black Test Car 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: June 30, 1962
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
