Shizue Kawarazaki
Actor
About Shizue Kawarazaki
Shizue Kawarazaki was a Japanese actress active during the late 1930s, known primarily for her role in the critically acclaimed film 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937). This film, directed by the renowned Sadao Yamanaka, was one of the last works by the director before his untimely death. Kawarazaki appeared during a transitional period in Japanese cinema when the industry was moving from silent films to talkies. Her performance in this socially conscious drama about the struggles of common people in Edo-period Japan demonstrated the emerging realist style in Japanese filmmaking. Unfortunately, like many actors from this era, detailed records of her career are scarce, possibly due to the destruction of film industry archives during World War II. Her single known film appearance suggests she may have had a brief acting career or that other records have been lost to history.
The Craft
On Screen
Based on the context of the film and era, likely employed the emerging realist acting style that was becoming prominent in 1930s Japanese cinema, moving away from the exaggerated stylization of earlier periods toward more naturalistic performances
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937), directed by Sadao Yamanaka
- Participated in one of the most significant Japanese films of the 1930s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Shizue Kawarazaki's individual impact is difficult to assess due to limited records, her participation in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' connects her to a significant moment in Japanese cinema history. The film represents the jidaigeki (period drama) genre's evolution toward social realism and humanism, influencing generations of Japanese filmmakers. The movie's preservation and recognition as a classic means her performance, however brief, contributes to the cultural heritage of Japanese film.
Lasting Legacy
Shizue Kawarazaki's legacy is intrinsically tied to her role in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons,' a film that has been recognized as one of the masterpieces of 1930s Japanese cinema. While her career may have been brief, her contribution to this important work ensures her place in film history, however small. The film itself continues to be studied and admired by cinema scholars and enthusiasts, keeping alive the memory of all who contributed to its creation.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of her career, it's difficult to trace specific influences that Kawarazaki may have had on other performers. However, her participation in a film that exemplified the realist approach to acting and storytelling would have contributed to the broader movement that influenced subsequent generations of Japanese actors and filmmakers.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Shizue Kawarazaki's personal life, which is common for actors from this era of Japanese cinema, particularly those with brief film careers.
Did You Know?
- 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' was one of director Sadao Yamanaka's final films before his death at age 28
- The film was considered lost for many years before being rediscovered
- The movie exemplifies the tendency toward social criticism in 1930s Japanese cinema
- Many Japanese film records from the 1930s were destroyed during World War II
- The film's title refers to the fragility of human life, comparing it to paper balloons
- Director Yamanaka was known for his humanistic approach to storytelling
- The film focuses on the lives of common people in 18th-century Edo (now Tokyo)
- Despite being made in 1937, the film's themes of social injustice remain relevant today
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shizue Kawarazaki?
Shizue Kawarazaki was a Japanese actress from the 1930s known primarily for her role in the film 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937). Very limited records exist about her career, suggesting she may have had a brief acting career or that other documentation has been lost to history.
What films is Shizue Kawarazaki best known for?
Kawarazaki is known for her appearance in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937), directed by Sadao Yamanaka. This film is considered a masterpiece of 1930s Japanese cinema and one of the director's most significant works.
When was Shizue Kawarazaki born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Shizue Kawarazaki are not available in existing records, which is common for many actors from this era of Japanese cinema, particularly those with limited filmographies.
What awards did Shizue Kawarazaki win?
No records of awards or nominations for Shizue Kawarazaki are available, which is typical for many supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema when formal award systems were less established.
What was Shizue Kawarazaki's acting style?
While specific details about her acting style are not documented, she likely employed the emerging realist approach that was becoming prominent in 1930s Japanese cinema, moving away from theatrical stylization toward more naturalistic performances.
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Films
1 film
