Classic Japanese Cinema Discussion Thread

Yasuzo Masumura   "My goal is to create an exaggerated depiction featuring only the ideas and passions of living human beings..".. Director Masumura was a precursor an inspiration for the Japanese New Wave, he had a prolific output, directing his first film in 1957.  A maverick, master stylist  he directed in a variety of genres with sharp sociological perceptions, his incredible 60s films are generated from a succession of prestigious literary adaptations. 
The plight and position of women are themes strongly represented throughout Masumura's career.  With the regular presence of enchanting Ayako Wakao during the 60s, she adds a wondrous dimension to the melodramatic tales. Excelling as the untouchable, manipulative but irresistible femme, she played strong-willed women who saw their sexuality as a way to liberate themselves from the traditional & habitual oppression, they suffer in society. Corporate life and the sacrifices, both human and moral, demanded by the post-war economic environment, is another important element seen in Masumura's work. 
Bold, perceptive, inspirational , I started with Tsuma wa kokuhaku suru , A Wife Confesses (1961) , which excitedly lead onto to tracking down 17 Masumura films .
The Blue Sky Maiden (1957), Giants and Toys (1958), Afraid to Die (1960), Seisaku no tsuma (1965), Chijin no ai (1967) to name drop just a few favourites. 
 Hanaoka Seishû no tsuma , Wife of Seishû Hanaoka (1967) is set in feudal Japan. A fascinating historical melodrama, central characters are the wife and mother of Japanese physician Seishû Hanaoka (1760-1835). It was Hanaoka who developed after much experimentation, a herbal general anesthetic, "Tsusensan"   becoming the first physician to successfully operate on a anesthetised  patient...
    Seisaku no tsuma (1965)                                       

                     
Aozora musume , The Blue Sky Maiden (1957)