Kawashima Yuzo

Almost unknown in the West, Kawashima Yuzo (1918 – 1963) occupies an important position in Japanese film history. He began his career as an assistant at the Shochiku studios in 1938, working with directors such as Ozu and Shimazu. In 1944, he started directing himself and made a name for himself with his tragicomedies, that often take place in brothels or feature small-time crooks. Imamura Shohei, who began his career with Kawashima, counts him among one of his most important teachers. Kawashima’s films draw the viewer into their world right from the very start. They are lively films, full of strong-minded, determined characters who have to strike a balance between their desires and reality.