jpriddy-1

It's just a darn shame that this isn't available on tape or DVD. It is a delightful yarn about the upheaval in Japan at the coming of the 20th Century. Besides being a good tale, it gives the viewer a lot of insight into the metamorphosis of Japanese society away from the samurai code and into the Machine-Age. Funny and thought-provoking. Mifune got my attention with this film. I was a devoted fan after seeing "The Rickshaw Man" (as the posters proclaimed). Another bonus is the very excellent production design. There was no doubt in your mind what era the movie was transporting you to. And, for something shot in the '50s, you wouldn't find any complaints about the cinema-photography. You know, if a producer had half a brain, he/she couldn't go wrong with doing a remake of this film.

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.