O Homem do Riquixá

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.

Why on earth its so hard to get this film on video? Only an extreme bad English subtitled VHS, a good Chinese subtitle, but no German subtitle or German synchronized. I saw this film 40 years ago in German cinema, and except a Japanese VHS or DVD (see above)there's nothing to receive. This film is so good, that I even can understand the meaning of the Japanese Video. (With the help of my Japanese woman) The tragedy of a Rikshaman is shown in an excellent way, how he helps a young boy, when his father died, and that he cant marry the mother of that boy, because he is from a "lower Kaste". I hope one day I will get a German - or at least an English copy, to understand all the words, they say.

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.

The story of a great man indeed. A man who, despite his poverty and unjustifiable way of life, finds happiness and appreciates the simple and basic things in it, and the people who make contact with him quickly recognize his great character and kindness. Toshiro Mifune may have just delivered one of his best performances in his whole acting career, so different from his usual expressions he would normally showcase in Kurosawa's films. In this film, while in some parts he impersonates a similar role to those he would do in Kurosawa's films, he mostly adopts a personality of a humble, charitable man. He is definitely the core and character that makes this film overflow with greatness, although many of the other people involved in the cast are just as important.

The fact that this film is very rare and difficult to track, in my opinion, is comparable to the unfortunate life of Matsu (character enacted by Toshiro Mifune) who, being a wonderful man, goes through life mainly unnoticed and unacknowledged; only some people get to know him better and firmly state that he could have been someone big. Such is the fate of this film; it is highly underrated, but if you are fortunate enough to find it, you will behold the story of an admirable man.

I last saw this film nearly 35 years ago and would like to see an English subtitled DVD one more time before I go. Of all the films that Mifune Toshiro made, this is the one I love the most. Mifune's portrayal of a common man who does not apologize for his lot in life but instead lives it to it's fullest extent is both amusing and inspirational.

There was also a version done by Mikuni Rentaro (Toei Studios) that I have seen. At this point in time, I am willing to watch any of the many remakes of this film.

Hopefully someone with some "juice" will read these comments and act on bringing a good English subtitled version to DVD.