An Actor's Revenge
An Actor's Revenge

Movie spotlight

An Actor's Revenge

1935
Movie
97 min
Japanese

An onnagata (female impersonator) of a Kabuki troupe avenges his parents' deaths. Remade in 1963 as Yukinojô Henge.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Teinosuke KinugasaGenres: Drama, Action

Plot Summary

A young Kabuki actor, unable to find work due to his father's disgraced reputation, seeks revenge against the men he holds responsible for his family's ruin. He infiltrates their lives, using his acting skills to manipulate and deceive them. As his plan unfolds, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and betrayal, questioning his own motives and the true nature of justice.

Critical Reception

Released in 1935, 'An Actor's Revenge' was a significant film in Japanese cinema, lauded for its innovative visual style and compelling narrative. It showcased the theatricality of Kabuki and adapted it effectively for the screen, earning critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. While specific aggregate scores from the era are scarce, contemporary reviews praised its directorial vision and the lead actor's transformative performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its striking visual aesthetic and masterful direction.

  • Celebrated for its intricate plot and compelling themes of revenge and identity.

  • Noted for its powerful performances, particularly the lead's dual role.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1935 film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is renowned for its elaborate costumes and makeup, which authentically reflect the traditions of Kabuki theater, and for the leading actor, Kazuo Hasegawa, playing both the male and female lead roles, a common practice in Kabuki but a technical feat for early cinema.

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