Enoken’s Ten Millions
Enoken’s Ten Millions

Movie spotlight

Enoken’s Ten Millions

1936
Movie
58 min
Japanese

Enoken plays a cloistered rich kid whose father hires a disreputable tutor to teach him how to really be a millionaire: by drunken debauchery, women, and song.

Insights

Director: Hideo NomuraGenres: Comedy

Plot Summary

Enoken, a poor but optimistic dreamer, stumbles upon what he believes to be a treasure map leading to ten million yen. He embarks on a series of misadventures and comical encounters as he tries to follow the map's cryptic clues. Along the way, he encounters various characters, some helpful and some trying to take advantage of his quest, leading to a chaotic and entertaining pursuit of fortune.

Critical Reception

As a product of its time, 'Enoken’s Ten Millions' was primarily a vehicle for the immense popularity of its star, Kenichi Enomoto (Enoken). It was a popular comedy film that resonated with audiences for its slapstick humor and Enoken's signature performance style. Critical analysis from a modern perspective would likely focus on its historical significance as a pre-war Japanese comedy and its role in solidifying Enoken's comedic persona, rather than on artistic merit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lighthearted and absurd comedic performances, especially from star Kenichi Enomoto.

  • Seen as a quintessential example of pre-war Japanese slapstick comedy.

  • Appreciated for its escapist entertainment value during a challenging historical period.

Google audience: Audience reception from the era would have been overwhelmingly positive, as Enoken was a major comedic star. His films were known for providing cheerful, laugh-out-loud entertainment. Modern audience reviews are scarce due to the film's age and limited availability, but it's recognized as a significant piece of Japanese comedic cinema history.

Fun Fact

Kenichi Enomoto, affectionately known as 'Enoken,' was one of Japan's most beloved comedians and singers during the Shōwa era. His unique style of humor, often involving exaggerated physicality and nonsensical speech, influenced many subsequent comedians.

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