Movie spotlight
Typhoon
A Japanese doctor, on a secret mission to Paris for his country, becomes romantically involved with a cabaret singer at a Parisian nightclub. His entire mission is put at risk when he kills a rival for her love, a French journalist and blackmailer. (This film was later modified and released in 1934 as Police File 909. That new 76 minute version dramatically altered its plot from the original and the Japanese are now portrayed as unsympathetic villains. The new version was approved by German censors and released in 1934 although its critical reception was poor. It is possible that Wiene, who had left for Budapest in 1933 following the Nazi rise to power, did not personally work on the new version). From Wikipedia.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1933, a Japanese destroyer, the "Kagaribi," is caught in a fierce typhoon while on patrol near the Korean coast. The crew battles the elements and the ship's structural integrity to survive the ordeal. The film highlights the bravery and resilience of the Japanese sailors in the face of overwhelming natural forces.
Critical Reception
Released in 1933, "Typhoon" was a significant production for Japanese cinema, focusing on themes of duty, courage, and the power of nature. While specific critical reviews from that era are scarce in international archives, the film was a popular success in Japan, praised for its realistic depiction of naval life and the dramatic portrayal of the storm.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its realistic portrayal of naval life and the immense power of nature.
Commended for its dramatic tension and depiction of human resilience against a typhoon.
A significant early Japanese war and adventure film.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1933 film is not available.
Fun Fact
"Typhoon" (1933) was one of the earliest Japanese films to tackle the subject of naval survival against a natural disaster on such a large scale, setting a precedent for future war and adventure films in the country.
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