Edo Spring Film Review

Aka - Cherry Time in Edo

This lighthearted look at a small patch of Edo in feudal times is enjoyable though it is fairly static with the camera often looking on from a distance. It was still early days for talkies in Japan. There were some silent films still being made in Japan as late as 1938. Part of this reluctance to completely switch to talkies was due to the popularity of the Benshi performers who would narrate the films live. Ryôhei Arai is credited by some sources for directing this film while others credit Sadatsugu Matsuda. I can't even find the film on IMDB. But should you come across the film, it is worth a watch if you have an interest in pre-war Japanese film.

It all takes place in an entertainment neighborhood of Edo. Not of the usual kind with brothels and geishas, but more like arcades. Playing games such as shooting arrows or throwing darts to win gifts. The arcades are staffed with pretty girls all looking for a husband. Inns and gambling houses also are nearby. The film follows a bunch of characters who live in the neighborhood. There are the two comic street food vendors who compete for customers - one serving soba, the other tofu. The inn keeper with the wife who constantly hits him on the head for gambling.

The pretty Osode looking for a good man. Ocho who is getting older who wants to settle down with Monji. But the main story revolves around Monji and his friend Kin-san. Monji was once part of a gang, but now earns his living as a street singer. Kin-san seems to live on the kindness of others by borrowing money, food and a place to sleep. He is though from an upper class family who is bored with all the formality. It all comes together eventually when Monji is forced to join his old gang and Kin-san is forced to take on his family responsivities in order to save his friend.