Ohara Shosuke-san (1949)

A pretty, pleasant, and ultimately poignant film about a generous spendthrift/drunk who goes bankrupt. The main character is given the nickname “Ohara Shousuke”, which as far as I can tell is the name of folk character (also a spendthrift). Some verses of a song about Ohara Shousuke are sung throughout the film and directed at the main character.

While I wouldn’t say that it carries the thematic weight of Shimizu’s better known work, this film certainly displays Shimizu’s directing on-form. Likeable characters, nice location scenery, a few surprisingly (quietly) elegant shots, etc. Shimizu fans will find it worthwhile (I did).