The Shiinomi School

『しいのみ学園』
Shiinomi gakuen

Introduced by Jo Osawa, Curator / Head of Film Collections at the National Film Archive of Japan.

Imported 35mm Print. After the conclusion of his orphan saga, Shimizu returned to the subject of outcast children with his 1955 socially conscious melodrama The Shiinomi School. Shifting his gaze to another marginalized group, Shimizu’s popular hit documented the plight of disabled children, notably those afflicted by the polio epidemic. Starring actress Kyoko Kagawa (Tokyo Story, Sansho the Bailiff) as a teacher who joins two parents in opening a school for youth with disabilities, the film was inspired by the writings of Saburo Shochi who founded and self-funded a school for disabled children in 1954. A touching and sentimental piece, Shimizu’s subtle approach and tender treatment of his marginalized subjects is informed by an early declaration within the film: “There’s a limit to science but not for love.”

Print courtesy of the National Film Archive of Japan.

Dir. Hiroshi Shimizu, 1955, 100 min., 35mm, b&w, in Japanese with live English subtitles. With Kyoko Kagawa, Yukiko Shimazaki, Ranko Hanai.

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

© Kokusai Hoei

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.