
Beauty and the Thief 1952
Directed by Keigo Kimura, *Beauty and the Thief (1952)* immerses viewers in a haunting jidaigeki tale set against Japan's turbulent mid-19th century. Machiko Kyō and Masayuki Mori lead a cast that embodies the film's duality—blending brutal violence with a dreamlike lyricism.
Director: Keigo Kimura
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beauty and the Thief (1952) about?
*Beauty and the Thief (1952)* follows a desperate love story set during Japan's mid-19th century famine. As survival becomes a daily struggle, the film weaves violence, desire, and poetic melancholy into a gripping narrative that reflects the era's moral decay and fleeting beauty.
Who directed Beauty and the Thief?
Keigo Kimura directed *Beauty and the Thief (1952)*, crafting a jidaigeki drama that blends historical brutality with lyrical storytelling.
Who stars in Beauty and the Thief?
The film stars Machiko Kyō and Masayuki Mori as its central figures, supported by a cast including Rentaro Mikuni, Takashi Shimura, and Minoru Chiaki.
Is Beauty and the Thief (1952) worth watching?
*Beauty and the Thief (1952)* is a hidden gem for fans of jidaigeki films and historical dramas. While not widely known, its atmospheric storytelling and stark themes make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate period pieces with depth and visual poetry.
How long is Beauty and the Thief?
The runtime of *Beauty and the Thief (1952)* is 80 minutes.
About Beauty and the Thief (1952) — Keigo Kimura's Gritty Jidaigeki Classic Explored
Directed by Keigo Kimura, *Beauty and the Thief (1952)* immerses viewers in a haunting jidaigeki tale set against Japan's turbulent mid-19th century. Machiko Kyō and Masayuki Mori lead a cast that embodies the film's duality—blending brutal violence with a dreamlike lyricism. This period drama, steeped in both history and myth, unfolds during the devastating famine of 1833, where survival and morality blur in a world of desperation and poetic beauty.
The film's stark contrasts mirror the era itself: poverty and resilience, corruption and honor, all captured in stark black-and-white frames. With its rich visual storytelling and raw emotional intensity, *Beauty and the Thief (1952)* offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal chapter of Japanese history, where every frame feels like a brushstroke from a forgotten masterpiece.