The Lights of Asakusa poster

The Lights of Asakusa (1937)

5.619371h 17mJA
Drama

Directed by Yasujirō Shimazu

Rating

5.6/10

Runtime

1h 17m

Language

JA

Release

December 2, 1937

Director

Yasujirō Shimazu

Overview

Pre-war Asakusa was a riotous district of cabarets, dance-halls and brothels - a striking backdrop for Shimazu's story of innocence and experience. Pretty, young Reiko is the new dancer in an infamous theatre troupe, and her fellow performers try to protect her virtue in a land of vice. Meanwhile, a...

Cast

Ken Uehara

Ken Uehara

Shichirō Yamagami

Mieko Takamine

Mieko Takamine

Reiko Kosugi

Daijirō Natsukawa

Daijirō Natsukawa

Chōjirō Kanda

Seiji Nishimura

Seiji Nishimura

Sasaki

Yoshiko Tsubouchi

Yoshiko Tsubouchi

Oryū

Kaneko Fujiwara

Kaneko Fujiwara

Yoshino

Shin Tokudaiji

Shin Tokudaiji

Jun Asukai

Haruko Sugimura

Haruko Sugimura

Marieda Matsushima

Reikichi Kawamura

Reikichi Kawamura

Gunji Ōhira

Fumiko Okamura

Fumiko Okamura

Kureko

Hideo Takeda

Hideo Takeda

Kōhei Handa

Tatsuo Saitō

Tatsuo Saitō

Kampei Fujii

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into The Lights of Asakusa (1937), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

Pre-war Asakusa was a riotous district of cabarets, dance-halls and brothels - a striking backdrop for Shimazu's story of innocence and experience. Pretty, young Reiko is the new dancer in an infamous theatre troupe, and her fellow performers try to protect her virtue in a land of vice. Meanwhile, an ageing actor wants to be a hero off stage as well as on, and the troupe matriarch Marie has to keep them all together.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of The Lights of Asakusa. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals.

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