Scandal
"Shubun" (1950)
| Title: | Scandal |
| Descriptor: | Mifune and Shimura are at it again, this time as the unlikely pair of an artist and his lawyer. Mifune is Ichiro Aoye - an artist famous for his motorbike and free spirit. He is paining in the country-side when he runs into a pop star, played by Shirely Yamaguchi, who needs a ride to the next town. A good samaritan, he does, but pays sorely for it. A gossip magazine, Amor (comparable to today's Enquirer or something) prints an article, "Passion on Two Wheels," condeming the loose lifestyle of the famous. Naive to the ways of the media, Aoye confronts the magazine editor directly, demanding that the falsity be withdrawn. Eventually it turns into a lawsuit, with Shimura's character, Hiruta, a second rate lawyer as Aoye's aid. Here a subplot developes between Hiruta and Aoye. Hiruta has a sick daughter, whom he adores and confides in. The problem is, Hiruta has no self confidence, a push-over, Hiruta is bribed by Amore magazine to sabatoge the case. Aoye later discovers this, but continues to place his trust on Hiruta, "a great star will be born soon." Furthermore, he takes time to make Hiruta's daughter smile. The good will of both youngers in Hiruta's life does him good. |
| Date Watched: | June something, 2001 |
| Comments: | Kurosawa manages to weave multiple morals into this story. On one hand it is a critique of the media - report anything for the infamy. On the other hand, it is a story of an underdog who wall pulled up through the unconditional love of his daughter and Aoye's faith in him. We can each be stars if we bother to shine...sounds something like Mandella's speech. We are afraid of our potential - that is why we hold back. If only we could embrace ours and others, think how bright the sky would be... Mifune is such a stud in this film - he fits the renegade artist character well. |
