Movie spotlight
Demon Thistle
The vast majority of the commercial films made by Kinugasa in the 1920s have, like almost all Japanese films of the period, been lost. Even a fragmentary survival such as Oni azami is to be celebrated – the more so since the film marked the first of many appearances by popular star Chojiro Hayashi (1908-84) in Kinugasa films. The original story of Oni azami is credited to Fred Niblo, the American director of Blood and Sand (1922) and Ben-Hur (1925). It derives from The Red Lily (1924), a Ramón Novarro vehicle that had been a great success on its release in Japan.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Elsie, living in poverty with her ailing mother, is drawn into a world of crime and deception by the charismatic but dangerous Joe. She struggles to navigate the harsh realities of her life, caught between her desperation and her moral compass.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Demon Thistle' was noted for its gritty portrayal of working-class struggles and its melodramatic elements. While some critics praised its sincerity and the performance of Mabel Poulton, others found its themes and narrative somewhat conventional for the era. It is considered a representative example of British silent cinema's social dramas.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic depiction of poverty and hardship.
Mabel Poulton's performance as the struggling protagonist was a highlight.
Some found the plot predictable and overly sentimental.
Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not available for this historical film.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for featuring early performances from actors who would later become more prominent in British cinema, showcasing the talent pool of the era.
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