Shining Love (1931): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1931, Shining Love 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. Shining Love 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 Shining Love page.

If you liked it. Fans of Shining Love tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.