Cast
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Yukichi Iwata
as Tomotaka Inoue
Kasuke Koizumi
as Land owner
Kuniko Miyake
as Fujio Kono
Daijirō Natsukawa
as Hajime Munechika
Tōichirō Negishi
as Asai
Ayako Nijo
as Itoko
Kazuyoshi Takeda
as Kingo Kono
Mitsugu Terashima
as Munechika's father
Ichirō Tsukida
as Seizo Ono
Yōko Umemura
as Fujio's mother
Chiyoko Ôkura
as Sayako Inoue
Crew
Director
- Kenji Mizoguchi
Writer
- Haruo Takayanagi
- Daisuke Itō
Producer
- Masaichi Nagata
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Poppy 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 Kenji Mizoguchi 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 1935, 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 Poppy took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1152 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1935, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- 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 Poppy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fight Club, which focuses more on action than character development, Poppy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Poseidon Adventure and The Experiment explore similar territory, Poppy 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: October 31, 1935
- Runtime: 1h 12m
