Midori

The 1948 Japanese drama film "Midori" is set during the turmoil of World War II and serves as an adaptation of the 1923 novel "Banshun" by Junichi Ishikawa. Directed by Kiyohiko Ushihara, the movie revolves around the story of a young girl, Midori, who has lost her parents and finds herself at the mercy of a cruel and ruthless fairground family led by a man named Hori and his cruel wife, Hanae. Having lost her family, Midori, a beautiful and kind-hearted 15-year-old girl, is forced to rely on the goodwill of others. The fairground family, known for their callousness and exploitation, sees her as a valuable asset and exploits her for her beauty and youth. Midori is tasked with selling flowers to passersby, often for little to no pay, and is subjected to physical and emotional abuse by Hori and his wife. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the fairground family is just a facade for the true brutality and corruption that lies beneath. Hori, despite his seemingly gentle nature, is a master manipulator who uses his charisma and charm to lure in vulnerable individuals, including Midori, into his web of exploitation. Midori's life is filled with hardship and desperation, and she often finds herself on the brink of despair. Her situation takes a turn for the worse when a typhoon hits the area, causing widespread destruction and chaos. In the aftermath of the storm, Midori is left alone, and her desperation grows as she struggles to find food and shelter. It is during this tumultuous time that an enigmatic figure appears on the scene. The magician, Kōji, is a mysterious and diminutive man who travels from town to town, performing his magical tricks for pennies. Kōji is a complex and intriguing character, shrouded in mystery and secrecy. His real intentions are unclear, and his motivations are driven by a desire to escape from his own troubled past. As Kōji befriends Midori, she sees him as a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness and despair. He becomes a source of comfort and solace for her, and she begins to see him as a potential savior. However, their relationship is not without its challenges, and Kōji's true nature begins to reveal itself as he takes Midori under his wing. Through Kōji, Midori begins to see the world in a different light. She learns about the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The magician's presence in her life serves as a catalyst for growth and change, and Midori starts to envision a future where she is no longer trapped in her miserable existence. The supporting cast in "Midori" includes a range of characters who serve to highlight the harsh realities of life during wartime Japan. The film's tone is often dark and somber, reflecting the turmoil and devastation that was wrought upon the country during this period. In conclusion, the 1948 Japanese drama film "Midori" serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and hardships faced by many during World War II. The movie's focus on themes of hope, perseverance, and the human spirit serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who have been pushed to the brink of despair.