Shojiro Ichikawa
Also Known As: 市川正二郎
Biography: Biography not available
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: Not available
Adult: No
Gender: Other
Popularity:
Known For:
Blood Spilled at Takadanobaba
Overview: The tale of Nakayama Yasubei’s duel is famous, even if he in reality probably did not cut down 18 opponents. The story has been related in film, rakugo, kodan and on stage many times, in part because Nakayama later joined the famous 47 Ronin (Chushingura) as Horibe Yasubei. But Makino and Inagaki’s version gives no hint of this more serious future, playing up the thrills and the comedy with Bando’s bravura performance. The multiple pans of Yasubei running to the duel are an exemplar of the experimental flourishes of 1930s Japanese cinema and the final duel, performed virtually like a dance number, is a marker of Makino’s love of rhythm and one of the best sword fights in Japanese film history. The film was originally released under the title Chikemuri Takadanoba (Bloody Takadanobaba) with a length of 57 minutes, but suffered some cuts and a title change when it was re-released in 1952.
Genres: Action Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-12-31
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Oda Nobunaga
Overview: A classic wartime jidaigeki about the life of the famous samurai and first of the "Great Unifiers" of Japan, Oda Nobunaga, with Kataoka Chiezo and Shimura Takashi
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1940-02-05
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Echo of Love
Overview: A man is brutally murdered and his famed shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument) called the "Yamabiko" stolen. Prince Kogenta swears to avenge his father-in-law's death and retrieve the family heirloom.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-07-14
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Mito Komon - The Bloody Swords
Overview: Final installment of the Okochi / Arai / Yamanaka Mito Komon series and just as good as the others (a good deal longer, as well). Again, this film like the other two is similar in tone and spirit to the Yamanaka Tange Sazen film and would appeal to fans of that film.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1935-04-03
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Mito Komon - The Secret Letter
Overview: Adaptation of the novel by Osaragi Jirō. Again scripted by the legendary Yamanaka Sadao
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1935-01-15
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Yasubei Horibe
Overview: Pre-war jidaigeki film from 1936, produced by Uzumasa Hassei Eiga studios
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1936-12-17
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Devoted Servant Naosuke
Overview: Naosuke, a servant of Okajima Yasoemon, devoted himself to his master. One day, his master Okajima Yasoemon, lost his face in front of people. It was a revenge by Oono, a karo (minister) who lost his chance to earn money by selling a fake antique to the lord. Okajima told the lord it was fake. Okajima endured Oono's humiliation. But, his servant Naosuke, could not. But what could he do? Oono is superior of his master. Naosuke would not hesitate to lay down his life for his master. But killing Oono would ruin his master. He wanted to clear his master's disgrace. What to do?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-12-07
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Kuriyama Daizen
Overview: Prewar jidaigeki starring Denjiro Okochi
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1936-11-12
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Jiraiya
Overview: Based on the old tale of Jiraiya, this 1937 version is essentially a revenge story with fantastic visuals.
Genres: Fantasy History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-12-31
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