Arakure

This film had a one night showing in New York as a retrospective of the great Tatsuya Nakadai but it is Hideko Takamine's film. One of the great things about watching her is that her characters are so varied. She can play innocent and submissive, serious and comic. In this film, she plays assertive. This film from the great Naruse has her stretching her acting muscles,playing Oshima, a woman who goes through situations in which men treat her wrong. Somehow, in a sometimes fun way, she emerges intact and stronger. The film begins in 1912 and thats what the gist is of her character: Most Japanese (well. all) women were not assertive like this at the time. So, the film is a little innovative. Mr. Nakadai's role is relatively small, but memorable (at the screening three women whistled when he came on the screen. He was a heartthrob). The reason this film doesn't get a ten is because it drags in a few spots, mostly before the middle. It has a better second hour, so from there it is a much more enjoyable film. Not available on DVD with subtitles, I was very happy to see it. If it ever does come out, I recommend it. Its fun, and Ms. Takamine is, as usual, great in her role.