Beautiful Tengu
Beautiful Tengu

Movie spotlight

Beautiful Tengu

1954
Movie
96 min
Japanese

During the tumultuous end of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Tengu Party rose in rebellion in Mito. Friends from their hometown, Tanaka Genzo and Fujita Koshiro, each walked different paths. Koshiro, who upheld the philosophy of "Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians," became a leader of the Tengu Party, taking refuge in the mountains. Genzo, however, did not have any particular ideological stance.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Kon IchikawaGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious man navigates the complexities of love and career in post-war Japan. He finds himself caught between the traditional expectations of his family and his own desires for a modern life. The film explores themes of societal change, personal identity, and the search for happiness in a rapidly evolving world.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Beautiful Tengu' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised Kon Ichikawa's directorial style and the film's attempt to capture the zeitgeist of the era, others found its narrative somewhat uneven and its comedic elements occasionally falling flat. Audiences were generally receptive to its relatable themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and capturing the mood of post-war Japan.

  • Noted for its exploration of generational conflicts and societal shifts.

  • Some found the blend of drama and comedy to be occasionally jarring.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Beautiful Tengu' is not readily available through public Google review aggregations for this older title.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for being an early work by Kon Ichikawa, who would go on to become one of Japan's most acclaimed directors, known for films like 'Harp of Burma' and 'The Makioka Sisters'.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review