The Rickshaw Man(Muhomatsu no issho)

Inagaki Hiroshi took over the helm of this colour, widescreen remake after the ailing Itami Mansaku dropped out. In a very close version of its 1943 original, Inagaki inspired awe with his refined, rich visualisation that won him the Golden Lion at Venice. Mifune Toshiro lends an aura of samurai vibe to his rough-around-the-edges gesture and comedic sensibility in a nuanced manner, impressing with his display of raw strength and power in the taiko drum scene. The quietly devastating scene of Mifune’s retrained confession of love to the elegant Takamine is added back at the climax, making the lonely passing of the respectable man in the snow the more heartbreaking.

Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion for Best Film

#7 in Kinema Junpo ’s Top 10

27/1 (Sat): Film talk with Cheng Chuen-wai