Movie spotlight
The Masseurs
Anma (The Masseurs) is a representative and historical work by the creator of Butoh dance, Tatsumi Hijikata in his early period in the 1960s. The film is realized not only as a dance document but also as a Cine-Dance, a term made by Iimura, that is meant to be a choreography of film. The filmmaker "performed" with a camera on the stage in front of the audience. With the main performers: Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, the film has the highlights such as Butohs of a soldier by Hijikata & a mad woman by Ohno. There is a story of the mad woman, first outcast and ignored, at the end joins to the community through her dance. Inserted descriptions of Anma (The Masseurs) are made for the film by the filmmaker, but were not in the original Butoh. The film, the only document taken of the performance, must be seen for the understanding of Hijikata Butoh and the foundation of Butoh.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Masseurs is a Japanese drama that delves into the lives of women working as masseuses in a beauty salon. The film explores their personal struggles, ambitions, and relationships as they navigate societal expectations and their own desires. It offers a poignant look at their daily lives, highlighting the complexities of their work and their search for fulfillment.
Critical Reception
While specific critical reception details for "The Masseurs (1963)" are scarce in easily accessible English-language sources, Japanese cinema of this era often explored social issues and personal dramas. Films focusing on working women typically received attention for their social commentary and character studies.
What Reviewers Say
The film offers a sensitive portrayal of the lives of working women.
It delves into the emotional and social challenges faced by masseuses.
A quiet drama focusing on character and atmosphere.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced during a period in Japanese cinema known as the "Nuberu Bagu" (New Wave), which saw a rise in independent filmmaking and a focus on more realistic and socially relevant themes.
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