The Living Magoroku
The Living Magoroku

Movie spotlight

The Living Magoroku

1943
Movie
88 min
Japanese

A wealthy family will not allow the military to grow crops on their fields due to their superstitious beliefs about their son's illness.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Kenji MizoguchiGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

During wartime Japan, a samurai family faces hardship and moral dilemmas. The story centers on the struggles of a loyal samurai and his family as they navigate the pressures of conflict and societal change. Their lives are intertwined with themes of honor, duty, and survival in a changing world.

Critical Reception

As a wartime propaganda film, "The Living Magoroku" was produced under strict government guidelines. While it aimed to bolster nationalistic sentiment, its artistic merits are often overshadowed by its historical context. Post-war analyses tend to focus on its place within Mizoguchi's filmography and the broader landscape of Japanese cinema during the war.

What Reviewers Say

  • A historical drama reflecting wartime Japanese society.

  • Examined through the lens of propaganda and Kenji Mizoguchi's directorial style.

  • Characterized by its somber tone and exploration of duty and sacrifice.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for "The Living Magoroku" is not readily available. Critical reception is primarily discussed in academic and historical contexts.

Fun Fact

"The Living Magoroku" was one of several films produced by Kenji Mizoguchi during World War II that were intended to support the Japanese war effort, though they often retained his signature focus on the plight of women and the struggles of ordinary people.

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