Cast
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Hiroshi Kawaguchi
as Saburô Tateno
Hitomi Nozoe
as Hideko Yamabe
Kyôko Kishida
as Sakie
Tomo'o Nagai
as Kunihiro
Hiroko Yajima
as Yoshino
Keiko Arishima
as Fumie
Keiko Yamane
as Mitsuko
Aiko Mishima
as
Satoko Minami
as
Kazuko Miyagawa
as
Hiromi Ichida
as
Yasuko Kawakami
as
Eiji Funakoshi
as
Mitsuko Takesato
as
Masahiro Kamegai
as
Crew
Director
- Yasuzō Masumura
Writer
- Kaneto Shindō
Producer
- Hideo Nagata
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Lowest Man 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 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 The Lowest Man took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 173 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lowest Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jesus is My Boss, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Lowest Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Women's Police: Part II and Tattoo explore similar territory, The Lowest Man 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: September 7, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 25m
