A Straightforward Boy

Plot

In this early Ozu comedy-crime hybrid, a bumbling criminal abducts a young boy hoping to secure ransom money, but quickly discovers his captive is far more clever and troublesome than anticipated. The boy, whose straightforward and persistent nature becomes both comic and problematic, continually outwits his kidnapper through innocent yet effective means of resistance. As the abduction drags on, the criminal finds himself increasingly frustrated and emotionally manipulated by his young prisoner, who treats the situation more like an adventure than a threat. The relationship between kidnapper and victim evolves into an unlikely friendship, with the criminal eventually growing fond of the boy's honest nature. In the end, the boy's straightforward approach to life proves more powerful than the criminal's schemes, leading to a resolution that highlights Ozu's early exploration of human nature and social dynamics.

Historical Background

1929 was a pivotal year in global cinema, marking the transition from silent films to talkies following the success of 'The Jazz Singer' in 1927. In Japan, this transition was slower, with silent films continuing to dominate well into the early 1930s, supported by the unique tradition of benshi (live film narrators). The late 1920s in Japan was a period of rapid modernization and Western influence, reflected in the country's cinema which increasingly adopted Western genres while maintaining distinct Japanese cultural elements. The film emerged during the early Shōwa period, a time of both economic growth and social tension in Japan. This context influenced the film's themes of crime and family values, reflecting contemporary Japanese society's concerns about modernization and changing social structures. The film also represents an important moment in Ozu's career, as he was transitioning from making genre films to developing his distinctive authorial voice that would later establish him as one of cinema's greatest masters.

Making Of

The production of 'A Straightforward Boy' took place during Ozu's formative years at Shochiku Studios, where he was rapidly developing his directorial voice. The film was shot on location and at Shochiku's facilities in Kamata, Tokyo, using the equipment and techniques standard for late 1920s Japanese cinema. Ozu worked with his regular crew from this period, including cinematographer Hideo Shigehara, who would continue to collaborate with him on many future projects. The casting of Tomio Aoki as the kidnapped boy proved particularly inspired, as the child actor's naturalistic performance style aligned well with Ozu's emerging aesthetic. The kidnapping premise allowed Ozu to experiment with genre conventions while exploring themes that would become central to his later work, particularly the relationship between adults and children and the importance of honesty in human interactions. The film's production was relatively quick and efficient, typical of studio films from this era, with shooting likely completed in just a few weeks.

Visual Style

The cinematography reflects the standard techniques of late 1920s Japanese silent cinema, with relatively static camera positions and medium shots that were typical of the period. While not yet featuring the distinctive low-angle shots and precise compositions that would characterize Ozu's mature style, the film shows early signs of his visual sensibility. The lighting follows the naturalistic approach common in Japanese cinema of the era, avoiding the dramatic chiaroscuro effects often found in contemporary German or American films. The visual storytelling emphasizes clarity and readability, important for silent films that needed to convey narrative efficiently without dialogue. The camera work serves the comedy well, allowing the actors' performances and the physical comedy of the kidnapping scenario to take center stage. The film's visual style, while conventional for its time, demonstrates Ozu's early understanding of how to use the camera to enhance character interactions and comic timing.

Innovations

While not technically innovative compared to some avant-garde films of the era, 'A Straightforward Boy' demonstrates solid technical craftsmanship typical of Shochiku Studios' productions. The film employs standard editing techniques of the late silent period, with clear continuity editing that serves the narrative effectively. The lighting and exposure show professional competence, ensuring good visibility in all scenes - particularly important for a film that relies on visual comedy and character expressions. The film's survival through the decades, despite the loss of many Japanese films from this period, suggests reasonable technical quality in its original production and processing. The film represents the technical standards of mainstream Japanese commercial cinema in 1929, showing how Japanese studios had adapted Western film technology while developing their own production methods and aesthetic preferences. The technical aspects of the film, while not groundbreaking, provide a solid foundation for the storytelling and performances.

Music

As a silent film, 'A Straightforward Boy' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical practice in Japanese cinemas of the late 1920s involved a combination of Western classical music, Japanese traditional music, and original compositions performed by theater musicians or small orchestras. The score would have varied by theater and performance, with music chosen to match the mood of each scene - playful and light during comic moments, more tense during the kidnapping sequences, and warm during the developing relationship between the boy and his captor. The benshi (live narrator) would have provided additional auditory elements through narration, character voices, and sound effects. No original musical score or specific musical cues survive from the film's original release period, as was common for silent films where music was improvised or selected for each screening.

Memorable Scenes

• The initial kidnapping sequence where the boy proves surprisingly unafraid and curious about his abductor
• The series of comic mishaps as the kidnapper attempts to control his increasingly troublesome captive
• The turning point where the criminal begins to develop genuine affection for the boy
• The final resolution where the boy's straightforward nature triumphs over criminal intentions
• Any scenes showcasing Tomio Aoki's naturalistic child performance, which stood out even in this early period

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of 'A Straightforward Boy' is difficult to assess due to the limited availability of Japanese film criticism from this period, especially for popular genre films. However, it was likely received as a competent and entertaining genre piece within the context of late 1920s Japanese cinema. Modern critics and film scholars view the film primarily as an important early work in Ozu's filmography, valuable for what it reveals about his artistic development. While not considered among Ozu's major achievements, the film is appreciated for its charm and the glimpses it offers of his emerging style. Critics note how even in this early genre work, Ozu shows his characteristic attention to human behavior and social relationships. The film's survival, given how many of Ozu's early works are lost, has made it particularly valuable to scholars studying his evolution as a director.

What Audiences Thought

The film was likely well-received by contemporary Japanese audiences as an entertaining comedy with elements of crime and adventure, popular genres of the period. The presence of a child protagonist would have appealed to family audiences, a demographic Shochiku Studios specifically targeted. The kidnapping premise, treated comically, would have provided the kind of light entertainment that Japanese cinema-goers sought during this period of social and economic change. Modern audiences who have access to the film through screenings or archives generally appreciate it as a charming early work that offers insight into Ozu's development. The film's straightforward narrative and comic elements make it more accessible to contemporary viewers than some of Ozu's later, more contemplative works. Its relatively short runtime and clear storytelling also contribute to its appeal as an example of popular Japanese cinema from the late silent era.

You Might Also Like