Dancing Girl

『踊子 』 
Odoriko

Screening introduced by Akinaru Rokkaku of the Japan Foundation, NY. The surprise arrival of dancer Hanae’s effervescent sister Chiyomi (Machiko Kyo) from provincial Kanazawa to her sister’s impoverished shitamachi (downtown Tokyo) apartment sparks new vitality in her home as the raucous country girl stirs up trouble, delighting in the new wonders of city life as well as its vices. Chiyo’s sensual charm and beauty seduce the men around her as her insatiable thirst for life draws in even Hanae’s quiet husband Yamano—sparking discord within the household. Adapted from Kafu Nagai’s novel-of-the-same-name by legendary scenarist Sumie Tanaka, known for collaborations with Mikio Naruse and Kinuyo Tanaka, Shimizu’s Dancing Girl features some of the director’s most stunning cinematography as he captures the everyday streets, drinking holes and alleyways of Asakusa with breathtaking lateral tracking shots. Machiko Kyo, in turn, charmingly portrays the devilish Chiyo, whose carefree ways set everything into disarray.

Dir. Hiroshi Shimizu, 1957, 96 min., DCP, b&w, in English with Japanese subtitles. With Chikage Awashima, Machiko Kyo, Eiji Funakoshi. Based on a novel by Kafu Nagai.

Part of the John and Miyoko Davey Classic Film Series
Hiroshi Shimizu – Part II: The Postwar and Independent Years
May 16—June 1, 2024

© KADOKAWA 1957

Hiroshi Shimizu is co-presented with Museum of the Moving Image, the National Film Archive of Japan, and Japan Foundation, New York.

Hiroshi Shimizu – Part II: The Independent and Postwar Years is generously supported by The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund for Classic Japanese Film.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family and Friends of Film. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film. Housing assistance is provided by the Kitano Hotel, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film.