かがやく愛 (1931): reparto, argumento y streaming

Released in 1931, かがやく愛 is a drama film directed by Hiroshi Shimizu, running about 38 minutes.

What it’s about. Created by Shochiku’s cultural film department on behalf of the Ministry of Education, this film tells an ironic anecdote juxtaposing the fate of a cooper’s son with that of the son of a middle-class salaried worker, and championing the virtues of honest poverty and diligence. An educational film preaching a fable-like message, it is however filled with humorous scenes that offset the film’s didacticism. Original director Yoshio Nishio fell ill and was replaced halfway through the shooting by the admired filmmaker Hiroshi Shimizu; though finished in May 1931, the film was shelved and never given a general release. Shot as a silent film, this version of the film features musical accompaniment, sound effects, and a spoken commentary track by a benshi narrator, thus bearing witness to the variety of forms taken by sound film during this transitional period.

Who’s in it. かがやく愛 stars Shoichi Nodera, Teruyo Hayami, Shoichi Kofujita and Shin'ichirô Komura, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch かがやく愛 page.

If you liked it. Fans of かがやく愛 tend to enjoy Cadena perpetua, El padrino, La lista de Schindler and El padrino II.