Muhômatsu no isshô

When I think of Toshiro Mifune I usually think of the films he made with Akira Kurosawa, but he had a streak of excellent performances in interesting films directed by Hiroshi Inagaki. The first films I saw were the "Samurai Trilogy" (1954-56), three films based on the life of Miyamoto Musashi. That being said I was also impressed by The Rickshaw Man (1958). Mifune delivers his trademark "physical" role of Matsu "the Outlaw"(a title appropriated by Imamura in one of his documentaries) a larger than life rickshaw man in Kokura, Kyushu. Evidently, this is a remake of an earlier film, but i have never seen the previous film. Matsu befriends a small boy and becomes the surrogate father after the boy's father dies. He also carries a torch for the boy's mother played by Naruse regular Hideko Takamine. In this film we get to see Mifune win a running race,beat up several school boys in a big fight, and expertly play the taiko drum. The storyline is somewhat melodramatic, but Mifune carries the film with his charismatic performance-it is entertaining and worthwhile.

While filled with pathos, there is enough fun in this film to keep you on your toes. Set in Japan at the turn of the 20th century, it shows how a simple rickshaw man has to adjust to the modernization of his country. Menawhile, keeping his promise to a dead client, he cares for the wife and child of the dead naval officer. The hitch is that he loves the beautiful widow and child. Yet, is constrained by social boundries from ever expressing it to them.

Only Mifune could have turned in a performance such as this.

Just wish they'd remaster this rascal and offer it as a DVD.

Like the other comments, this movie should be available on DVD or VHS. I remember seeing it 40 years ago and its brilliance stands out in my mind as if I saw it yesterday.

Toshiro Mifune plays against type. No samurai warrior he, but a humble Rickshaw man secretly in love with an upper class woman. He shepherds her son throughout the years and the woman, while almost recognizing the Rickshaw Man has helped make her son a man, never comprehends the love Mifune has for her.

A classic woman's film that caused this man to cry. And the fact that it stars Mifune and is directed by a macho director who likes to do period Samurai movies is amazing. Two macho stars making one of the great soaps of all time. And I mean that in the best of ways.

First of all, you could never go wrong with a pairing of Toshiro Mifune and Hideko Takamine, two of the greatest actors that have ever been in film. Second, this tale of a rickshaw man known at the "Wild Matsu" who helps a young boy named Toshio and becomes a part of his growing up is told vividly through numerous scenes over time. Ms. Takamine plays Yoshiko, who was widowed soon after she met Matsu, and her performance is understated but essential to the film. Mr. Mifune, who is best remembered for works with the great Kurosawa, stretches his acting muscles greatly here, showing some vulnerability in a challenging role. There are so many films to recommend with Ms. Takamine and Mr. Mifune that are alternately entertaining and heartbreaking. This has both those elements and its a treasure of Japanese cinema.

Oh WOW! this film is slipping out off the radar, played by the great Toshiro Mifune, it's a tragedy of a great man named Muhomatsu, a Rickshaw Man. if you're looking for a great classic tear-jerker japanese drama then this is definitely a must to see!