父と子 市川猿翁・香川照之
The story follows the "father and son", actor Teruyuki Kagawa and his father, Kabuki grandee Ennosuke Ichikawa III (now Enno II, 73), who were once torn apart but, lured by a strange fate, are now trying to reconnect. The film follows their 300-day drama. Kagawa's parents divorced when he was a child and he was never allowed to see his father. She has always wondered what her father was like. Kagawa has held on to this thought for some time. Then, in September 2011, she suddenly announced her intention to enter the Kabuki world. Her father, Ennosuke, also attracted attention when he announced his return to the stage eight years after suffering a stroke. Then began their epic days together. Kagawa stayed at home and spent every day practising. His father, Ennosuke, battled with screaming pain and devoted himself to rehabilitation, while at the same time training his son, Kagawa. Father and son are driven by Kabuki, as if they are trying to regain something they have lost.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary offers an intimate look into the lives and careers of Ichikawa En-ō (formerly Danjuro Ichikawa XII) and his son, Kagawa Teruyuki (formerly Ichikawa Shinnosuke VII). It explores their complex father-son relationship against the backdrop of traditional Kabuki theater and their individual artistic journeys. The film delves into the pressures, expectations, and profound bonds shared between these prominent figures in Japanese performing arts.
Critical Reception
As a documentary focusing on specific cultural figures, critical reception is largely tied to its portrayal of the father-son dynamic and its insights into the world of Kabuki. Reviews often highlight the emotional depth and the respectful yet candid depiction of the challenges faced by both artists. It is generally regarded as a valuable piece for those interested in Japanese theater and the intricacies of family legacies within demanding artistic professions.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intimate and emotional portrayal of a father-son relationship.
- Valued for its insights into the rigorous world of Kabuki theater.
- Appreciated for its candid look at artistic legacies and personal struggles.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available. However, documentaries of this nature typically garner appreciation from viewers interested in in-depth explorations of artistic families and traditional performing arts.
Fun Fact
The film captures the transition of Ichikawa En-ō, a major figure in Kabuki, as he passes on traditions and faces the future of the art form through his son's growing career.
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