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JAPANESE | ENGLISH

No.; Title; Length (min); Director; Benshi; Starring; Story Type

K01 Orochi, 1925, Bantsuma Pro; 80; Futagawa Buntaro; Matsuda Shunsui; Bando Tsumasaburo, Mori Shizuko, Tamaki Utako;
Heizaburo earned the undeserved reputation of a villain because he stood his ground for the cause of justice. Now he explodes with anger in this brilliant swashbuckling epic of Japanese film. A national treasure.

K02 Mabuta no Haha (Memories of Mother), 1931, Chie Pro; 72; Inagaki Hiroshi; Matsuda Shunsui; Kataoka Chiezo, Yamada Isuzu, Asaka Shinpachiro;
Separated from his mother as a small child, Chutaro journeys to Edo in search of her visage, relying on rumors of her whereabouts. Probably the greatest lyrical Japanese period film ever made.

K03 Sakamoto Ryuma, 1928, Bantsuma Pro; 32; Edamasa Yoshiro; Matsuda Shunsui; Bando Tsumasaburo, Mori Shizuko, Haruji Kensaku;
Noble supporter of his beloved country Sakamoto Ryuma's hard efforts have paid off - the Satsuma-Choshu alliance has been achieved. However, his life is in danger; the power-hungry Shinsengumi is trying to assassinate him.

K04 Hatamoto Taikutsuotoko (The Idle Vassal) (1st), 1930, Uta Pro; 20; Furumi Takuji; Matsuda Shunsui; Ichikawa Utaemon, Oe Michiko, Takei Ryuzo;
Saotome Mondonosuke, the lord with the crescent-shaped scar, boldy goes to rescue women kidnapped by a ninja. First part of a popular series.

K05 - Taki no Shiraito (The Water Magician), 1933, #2 Ranking, Irie Pro; 98; Mizoguchi Kenji; Matsuda Shunsui; Irie Takako, Okada Tokihiko, Sugai Ichiro, Urabe Kumeko;
The story of a woman who is completely devoted to a man she loves desperately is portrayed in a sad yet strikingly beautiful way. The best of Mizoguchi's silent films.

K06 - Oatsurae Jirokichi Goshi (Jirokichi the Rat), 1932, #4 Ranking, Nikkatsu Uzumasa; 65; Ito Daisuke; Matsuda Shunsui; Okochi Denjiro, Fushimi Naoe, Fushimi Nobuko;
Depicts the tenderhearted love between a thief and two women with a touch of nostalgia. A valuable film which is the only movie from director Ito's vintage period that has survived in it's entirety.

K07 Jitsuroku Chushingura (The True Story of the Loyal Forty-Seven Ronin), 1928, Makino Pro, 65; Makino Shozo; Matsuda Shunsui; Ii Yoho; Katsumi Yotaro;
A once-in-a-lifetime epic produced to commemmorate Makino's 50th birthday. However, a fire broke out during editing and destroyed half the negatives, making much of the film a mystery today.

K08 Horo Zanmai (The Wandering Gambler), 1928, Chie Pro; Inagaki Hiroshi; Matsuda Shunsui; Kataoka Chiezo, Kinugasa Junko, Kagawa Ryosuke;
A period film with a twist written by Itami Mansaku and directed by a young Inagaki Hiroshi. Reknowned for its cheerful comedic turns as well as its intellectual content.

K09 Kurama Tengu (1st), 1928, Arakan Pro; 75; Yamaguchi Teppei; Matsuda Shunsui; Arashi Kanjuro; Gomi Kunie; Yamamoto Reizaburo;
Set in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate. Our hero, the fierce loyalist Kurama Tengu, shines brilliantly in a Kyoto torn by constant unrest. A thrilling movie featuring a young and dashing Arashi.

K10 Kutsukake Tokijiro, 1929, Nikkatsu Uzumasa; 63; Tsuji Kichiro; Matsuda Shunsui; Okochi Denjiro, Koichi, Sakai Yoneko;
Tokijiro goes wandering through the world with the wife and daughter of a man who has cut all his obligational ties to his livelihood. The moving "Kutsukake Kouta" became the first period film "theme song."

K11 Okochi Denjiro Kessakushu (Okochi Denjiro's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda; 32; Matsuda Shunsui;
Through this tribute, the viewer can appreciate the great talents of Okochi, who became a sensation all over Japan. Includes scenes from Chuji Tabinikki (The Diary of Chuji's Travels), Sazen Tange, Jiraikagumi, Kobo Shinsengumi (The Rise and Fall of the Shinsengumi), Shinban Ooka Seidan (The New Story of Ooka the Statesman), Chikemuri Takadanobaba (Blood Spattered at Takadanobaba), Hirate Miki, Nazo no Ningyoshi (The Mysterious Dollmaker), Adauchi Senshu (Athlete of Revenge), Nezumi Kozo Jirokichi (Jirokichi the Thief), and more.

K12 Kataoka Chiezo Kessakushu (Kataoka Chiezo's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda; 30; Matsuda Shunsui;
The cheerful and lively Kataoka is shown in his best films. Includes scenes from Goronbo Jidai, Aizen Jigoku (Agonizing Love), Kaigyaku Sanroshi (The Three Wacky Ronin), Tasuke Isshin, Otokodatebayari, Chuji Kunisada, Kakita Akanishi, Fuun Tenmanzoshi, Kaikyo Kintadasuke (Kintadasuke the Yakuza), Hatsuiwai Nezumi Kozo (The Thief Celebrates for the First Time), Jituroku Chushingura (Chushingura: The True Story, and more.

K13 Yuki no Wataridori (Migratory Bird of Winter), 1931, Bantsuma Pro; 60; Miyata Tomikazu; Matsuda Shunsui; Bando Tsumasaburo, Okada Kikuya, Mochizuki Reiko;
Ginpei and Unokichi are fighting over the maiden Ichi when a third man appears and changes the course of events. A dramatization of the Hasegawa Shin classic about the wandering life.

K14 Bando Tsumasaburo Kessakushu (Bando Tsumasaburo's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda, 34; Matsuda Shunsui;
Traces the career of the king of swordsmen from his early days playing minor roles. Includes scenes from Kosuzume Toge, Gyakuryu (Adverse Current), Son'no (For the Emperor), Kageboshi (A Shadowy Character), Ranto no Chimata (Street Brawl), Chi no Jujika (Bloodied Crucifix), Kaika Iso (A Story of Enlightenment), Rogoku no Hanayome (Prison Wife), Akagaki Genzo, Kamaitachi, Moyuru Fuji (Burning Fuji), Amida Shigure (Late Autumn Shower in Amida), Koi Yamabiko (Yamabiko in Love), and more.

K15 Arashi Kanjuro Kessakushu (Arashi Kanjuro's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda, 36; Matsuda Shunsui; A valuable collection of works from Arashi's "Chozaburo" years.
Includes scenes from Hyakumanryo Hibun (Secret Story of the Million Ryo), Kanja (The Spy), Kurama Tengu Kyofu Jidai (The Frightful Era of Kurama Tengu), Umon Ichiban Tegara (Umon's First Exploit), Dakine no Nagadosu (Sleeping with a Long Sword), Mikazuki Jirokichi, Tsukigata Hanpeita, Shusse Taikoki (A Samurai's Exploits), Musashi Miyamoto, Naruto Hicho (Secret Memo of Naruto), and more.

K16 Umon Torimonocho Rokuban Tegara (Umon's Diary (Exploit #6)), 1930, Toa; 70; Nishina Kumahiko; Matsuda Shunsui; Arashi Kanjuro, Hara Komako, Toyama Keinosuke;
When Umon learns of the surviving Toyotomi family members' plot to assassinate the Shogun, he rushes off to the rescue on his white horse. An exciting film scripted by the genious Yamanaka Sadao.

K17 Nishikie Edo Sugata (A Color Print of Edo), 1939, Shinko; 65; Mori Issei; Matsuda Shunsui; Ichikawa Utaemon, Asaka Shinpachiro, Matsumoto Taisuke;
Although a ruffian, Saburo also has a strong sense of justice. One day, he saves the young Nami from committing suicide. However, she turns out to be the lover of Kojiro, his brother and retainer of the Shogun.

K18 Ichikawa Utaemon Kessakushu (Ichikawa Utaemon's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda; 20; Matsuda Shunsui;
An introduction to the special talents and appeal of Utaemon. Includes senes from Jokon (Soul Cleansing), Dokuro (Skull), Kyo ni Nobotta Taikutsuotoko (The Idle Vassal who Came to Kyoto), Maboroshi Toge, Izayoicho, Takara no Yama ni Hairu Taikutsuotoko (The Idle Vassal Goes to Treasure Mountain), Shippu Masayuki (Masayuki the Quick), Kengo Araki Mataemon (Mataemon Araki-Master Swordsman), Jumangoku wo Sabaku Taikutsuotoko (The Idle Vassal Challenges the 100,000 Goku Daimyo), and more.

K19 Hayashi Chojiro Kessakushu (Hayashi Chojiro's Greatest Roles), 1983, Matsuda; 20; Matsuda Shunsui;
Shows scenes from the legendary screen lover's movies, including Benten Kozo, Nogitsune Sanji (Sanji the Wild Fox), Yukinojo Henge, Tabi no Kagero (Heat Wave), Bancho Sarayashiki (The Plate-Counting Ghost of Bancho), Toribeyama Shinju (Toribeyama Suicide Pact), Kyokyaku Harusamegasa (The Yakuza's Umbrella), Kunisada Chuji Gaiden - Itawari no Asataro (Another Chuji Kunisada Story - Itawari no Asataro), Horimono Hangan (Magistrate Tatoo), and more.

K20 Horimono Hangan (Magistrate Tatoo) (complete version), 1933, Shochiku Kyoto; 90; Fuyujima Taizo; Matsuda Shunsui; Hayashi Chojiro, Iizuka Toshiko, Inoue Hisae;
Our hero Kin of Toyama takes on the peasant-oppressing evil daimyo (feudal lord) in an entertaining adventure of love and swordsmanship. Combines Parts One and Two into a single flowing film.

K21 Sunae Shibari (The Spell of the Sand Painting), 1927, Makino Pro; 87; Kanamori Bansho; Matsuda Shunsui; Tsukigata Ryunosuke, Suzuki Sumiko, Ichikawa Kobunji; Takei Ryuzo;
The Ryueis and the Tenmokus fight over gold bullion secretly stored away in Osaka Castle. A dramatization of a popular novel - three competing studios also produced their own versions of the story.

K22 Kengo Araki Mataemon (Mataemon Araki, Master Swordsman), 1935, Kyokuto Eiga; 50; Nishina Kumahiko; Matsuda Shunsui; Ramon Mitsusaburo, Kojima Yozo, Hanazono Yuriko;
When the great swordsman tries to avenge himself on his step-father, he initiates a free-for-all involving dozens of fighters. A thrilling movie packed with entertaining swordplay.

K23 Onore ga Tsumi Sakubei (Sakubei's Sin), 1930, Shochiku Kamata; Sasaki Tsunejiro; Matsuda Shunsui; Inoue Masao, Tatsuta Shizue, Nara Shinyo, Sugawara Hideo;
Sakubei saves a drowning Tamataro and raises him as his own. But later on, an intensely sad fate awaits. A film of the "New School" of great tragedies which received rave reviews in Europe.

K24 Daigaku wa Deta Keredo (I Graduated from College, But...), 1929, Shochiku Kamata; Matsuda Shunsui; 16; Ozu Yasujiro; Tanaka Kinuyo, Takada Minoru, Suzuki Utako, Iida Choko;
They graduated from college but can't find jobs. A world beset by hard times is the stage for this film directed by a young Ozu, which centers on a young couple confronted with the incongruities and failings of human society.

K25 - Izu no Odoriko (The Dancer of Izu), 1933, #8 Ranking, Shochiku Kamata; 93; Gosho Heinosuke; Matsuda Shunsui; Tanaka Kinuyo, Obinata Den, Kobayashi Tokuji, Wakamizu Kinuko;
Dancing girl Kaoru and student Mizuhara's fleeting and sad love story. Tanaka is magnificent in her now famous role as the poor sweet dancer. Master director Gosho adapts the story by the great Kawabata Yasunari into a film about young love.

K26 - Umarete Mita Keredo (I Was Born, But...), 1932, #1 Ranking, Shochiku Kamata; Matsuda Shunsui; 91; Ozu Yasujiro; Saito Tatsuo, Yoshikawa Mitsuko, Sugawara Hideo, Tokkan Kozo;
Two brothers worship their father until they see him kowtow to their friend's father, Yamazaki, a company executive. The movie portrays their circumstances after being crushed by this disillusion. The greatest Japanese film about the petty bourgeous.

K27 - Dekigokoro (Impulse), 1933, #1 Ranking, Shochiku Kamata; 101; Ozu Yasujiro; Matsuda Shunsui; Sakamoto Takeshi, Obinata Den, Fushimi Nobuko, Iida Choko;
A story about a widower living in a row house in a back alley. Ozu mixes tears and laughter to depict the lives and feelings of the characters.

K28 The Fireman, 1916 U.S., Mutual; 19; Charles Chaplin; Matsuda Shunsui; Charles Chaplin, Eric Campbell;
Mary's father burns his own house in order to pick up an insurance payment. But he left his daughter inside! Charlie is the fireman in love with her who must brave the flames to try to save her.

K29 Easy Street, 1917 U.S., Mutual; 20; Charles Chaplin; Matsuda Shunsui; Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance;
Charles falls in love with a Salvation Army woman, then quickly transforms himself into a policeman. When he tries to clean up the slums, he runs into an underworld gangleader-extortionist.

K30 Commotion in the Studio, U.S., Keystone; 12; Sawato Midori; Monty Banks;
Takes place in Hollywood, the motion picture capital of the world. Young Johnny loses his way in a studio and causes a donnybrook, complete with crocodiles and lions on the loose. Non-stop laughs!

K31 The Flying Automobile, U.S., Pathe; 12; F. Richard; Sawato Midori; Harry, Lila Leslie;
Crazy inventor Harry has just completed his latest and weirdest invention - a flying car. How comfortable it is to travel through the air looking down at the traffic jams below! But then...

K32 Carmen, 1915 U.S., Essanay; 33; Charles Chaplin; Sawato Midori; Charles Chaplin, Ben Turpin;
Film parody of the famous opera. Chaplin plays the part of Don Jose and gets mixed up in a series of crazy escapades while also providing some sharp satire.

K33 Mari no Yukue (Where the Ball Goes), 1930, Sawada Educational Films; 51; Sawada Junsuke; Matsuda Shunsui; Yamaguchi Sadako, Sasaki Miyoko, Tsutsui Tokujiro, Tachibana Keisuke;
A child overcomes a multitude of setbacks with the help of a warm friendship and the encouragement of a mentor, becoming a stronger and stronger person in the process. Still very relevant for the children of today.

K34 The Birth of Film, Edison Album, 1896-1903; 11; Thomas Edison; Matsuda Shunsui;
The film begins from the point in 1889 when Edison invented the first machine in the world which advances film to be viewed. Also includes the completion of the first movie studio in 1893, the first screen kiss in 1896, and examples of the earliest trick cinematography.

K35 - Tokyo no Kouras (Tokyo's Chorus), 1931, #3 Ranking, Shochiku Kamata; 91; Ozu Yasujiro; Miyoshi Senkyoku; Okada Tokihiko, Yakumo Emiko, Sugawara Hideo, Takamine Hideko;
Mr. Okajima does not tell his wife when he is fired from his company and must start to work at a restaurant. A masterpiece directed by a young Ozu Yasujiro, who deftly portrays the pathos of life.

K36 - Ukigusa Monogatari (A Story of Floating Weeds), 1934, #1 Ranking, Shochiku Kamata; 87; Ozu Yasujiro; Matsuda Shunsui; Sakamoto Takeshi, Iida Choko, Yakumo Rieko, Tsubouchi Yoshiko;
The wandering life of an itinerant troupe. One day Kihachi brings his entertainers to an interesting town. A town where the feelings of love and hate between man and women, and parent and child are especially strong.

K37 Tokyo Koshinkyoku (Tokyo March), 1929, Nikkatsu Modern Drama; 25; Mizoguchi Kenji; Sawato Midori; Natsukawa Shizue, Takihana Hisako, Ichiki Reiji, Kosugi Isamu;
This story by Kikuchi Kan is interpreted by the youthful Mizoguchi. The huge metropolis of Tokyo is the backdrop for the ironic fate which befalls a young couple which gets mixed up in a love triangle.

K38 The Immigrant, 1917 U.S., Mutual; 20; Charles Chaplin; Sawato Midori; Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance;
Charlie sets out for America in search of freedom and happiness. But just when the Statue of Liberty is finally in sight...the fun starts. A fine film full of laughs and pathos.

K42 His Prehistoric Past, 1914 U.S., Keystone; 20; Charles Chaplin; Sawato Midori; Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain;
Charlie is a primitive man in a fur derby hat and spats who falls in love and gets into a fight. His last picture for Keystone.

K43 The Rink, 1916 U.S., Mutual; 20; Charles Chaplin; Sawato Midori; Charles Chaplin, Frank J. Coleman;
Charlie, a waiter at a restaurant, takes Edna to a skating party and manages to make a mess of things for the guests.

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