Stolen Desire

Imamura's first feature shows the themes of his subsequent work: his focus on the underside of Japanese society is there, including hints of his characteristic cynicism but also romanticism -- for a while, it seems like the tone could end up going either way. Imamura is often described as a sort of anti-Ozu, but here he seems not so much an anti-Ozu as an Ozu for the underclass.

It doesn't really stand out from the whole treasury of great 50's Japanese cinema but is a fantastically enjoyable and well made film that's filled with life and energy. Tonally it's a bit torn between cynical realism and wacky romanticism but most of the comedy & drama still manage to work fine. It's interesting, well paced & looks great. Very much of its time but still universally engaging and refreshing in its perspective. A pretty basic social-realist rom-com story superbly told.

A great, much less known gem in Immamura's filmography. A very comedic film with a dash of drama, this tale of a down-and-out actor's trope follows the themes I have heard are predominant in his work - specifically his interest in the poor and the downtrodden in Japanese society - and is always interesting throughout its 90 minute length. It's a recommendation if you can get hold of it.