Osaka Elegy (1936): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: Osaka Elegy
Genre: Drama
Released: 1936
Duration: 71 min
Cast: Isuzu Yamada, Chiyoko Ôkura, Shinpachirō Asaka, Benkei Shiganoya, Yōko Umemura

What Osaka Elegy Is About

Osaka Elegy, directed by Kenji Mizoguchi in his first collaboration with screenwriter Yoshikata Yoda, is a Japanese film starring Isuzu Yamada as a telephone operator who agrees to become her employer's mistress to pay off her father's debt. Mizoguchi considered this film and Sisters of the Gion, made the same year, the works where he reached his artistic maturity, and regarded them as the true beginning of his career; the lateral tracking shots and deep staging that became his signature style crystallized here for the first time. The film opened on May 28, 1936, running 71 minutes. Who it's for: anyone curious about a Japanese classic marking the moment a director first found his signature visual style. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a drama with a happy ending, since the film tells a harsh story ending in a woman's exclusion from society.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osaka Elegy about?

Osaka Elegy, directed by Kenji Mizoguchi in his first collaboration with screenwriter Yoshikata Yoda, is a Japanese film starring Isuzu Yamada as a telephone operator who agrees to become her employer's mistress to pay off her father's debt. Mizoguchi considered this film and Sisters of the Gion, made the same year, the works where he reached his artistic maturity, and regarded them as the true beginning of his career; the lateral tracking shots and deep staging that became his signature style crystallized here for the first time.

Where can I watch Osaka Elegy?

Osaka Elegy is available to watch on digital platforms such as Criterion Channel. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Osaka Elegy?

Osaka Elegy runs for 71 minutes (1h 11m).

When did Osaka Elegy come out?

Osaka Elegy was released in 1936.

Who directed Osaka Elegy?

Osaka Elegy was directed by Kenji Mizoguchi.

Who stars in Osaka Elegy?

Osaka Elegy stars Isuzu Yamada, Chiyoko Ôkura, Shinpachirō Asaka, Benkei Shiganoya.

What is Osaka Elegy's rating?

Osaka Elegy holds 7.2/10 on IMDb and 6.7/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 71 out of 100.