Tokihiko Okada, a silent film actor on the rise, and one of Ozu's early career megastars-in-the-making, died far too young. I learned something surprising, delightful, and touching when I researched his background and legacy.
The next few Ozu films cover the last four movies he made in 1930 (out of seven), and the three that he made in 1931. They are a diverse mix of crime, melodrama, romance, an attempt at a character franchise, and the story of Japan's cultural progression.
Check back on this entry in March, when I get my hands on the BFI's latest Ozu Collection release and add screengrabs from the first feature in this in batch...
Satoko Date in 1931's The Lady and The Beard