The Downfall of Osen (Orizuru Osen)

1935. Drama/Silent. 90 min. NR.

Showings

Michigan Theater - Screening Room Thu, Feb 13, 2020 7:30 PM
Part of the Art of the Camera film series sponsored by The U-M Center for Japanese Studies.
Event Info
Category:Films
Michigan Films
Art of the Camera
One-Day Only

Description

Plays Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 PM at the Michigan!

Cinematographer: Shigeto Miki

After their unscrupulous master is arrested, servant girl Osen and penniless young Sokichi must fend for themselves. They live together in Meiji-era Tokyo, and Osen’s love drives her to pay Sokichi’s way through medical school, finally turning to secret streetwalking on his behalf. Told in an elaborate flashback structure, The Downfall of Osen has been singled out as a transitional film that bridges director Kenji Mizoguchi’s early and middle periods, as well as the silent and sound eras.

Presented in Japanese with English subtitles

Cinematographer Shigeto Miki was Mizoguchi’s cameraman for all of his 1930s films. Miki started his career in 1916, when he shot his first film at the age of 14! After working for Mizoguchi for years, he was Makino Masahiro's cameraman for the 40s through 60s.


Part of the Art of the Camera film series sponsored by The University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies