• 限りなき舗道 (Street Without End)

8/31/24 (Sun)

Naruse’s 1934 drama, set in contemporary Tokyo, was his final silent film. Sugiko is a waitress in a pancake shop in Ginza. (Pancakes must have been the latest thing; patrons seem to have trouble figuring out what to do with the spot of butter on top.) She receives a marriage proposal from her poor but kind boyfriend, who is under pressure from his family to marry a girl arranged for him back home. Sugiko, pressed to make a decision, wanders carelessly into the path of a chauffer-driven car. That car belongs to Hiroshi, the handsome heir to an upper-class family, who takes her immediately to the hospital. Her boyfriend sees them together and, assuming she has rejected him, leaves town.

Hiroshi eventually falls in love with Sugiko and begs her to marry him in a romantic setting backed by Mt. Fuji. She is uncertain given the difference in their class, especially with the disparaging attitude of his mother and sister, who make no effort to hide their disdain. Still, the thought of a life of financial security and Hiroshi’s undeniable sincerity prompt her to give in to his persistence. The family has no choice but to agree.

As feared, however, the gulf between her and the family proves deep despite her best efforts. Continue reading →