The Morning Sun Shines 1929
In this early experimental gem from legendary Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi, *The Morning Sun Shines (1929)* weaves together drama and documentary to illuminate the inner workings of journalism in interwar Japan.
Director: Kenji Mizoguchi
Cast
Takako Irie
girl in the elevator
Joji Oka
(as Susumu Minobe): Hiroo Karasaki, Head of Delegation
Kōju Murata
Kusaka
Eiji Nakano
Hayafusa
Ranko Sawa
Asako Akizuki
Heitaro Doi
Kōhei Akizuki
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Morning Sun Shines (1929)* about?
This 25-minute short by Kenji Mizoguchi blends a fictional narrative about a journalist chasing a story with real documentary footage of newspaper operations. It's a snapshot of early 20th-century media life, where human ambition meets industrial precision.
Who directed *The Morning Sun Shines*?
The film was directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker known for his masterful dramas like *Ugetsu* and *Sansho the Bailiff*.
Who stars in *The Morning Sun Shines*?
The film features Takako Irie, Joji Oka, Kōju Murata, Eiji Nakano, and Ranko Sawa in its leading roles.
Is *The Morning Sun Shines (1929)* worth watching?
Though it clocks in at just 25 minutes, *The Morning Sun Shines* offers a rare window into Mizoguchi's early style and the world of early journalism. Its experimental fusion of drama and documentary makes it a compelling watch for silent-film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
How long is *The Morning Sun Shines*?
The film runs for 25 minutes.
The Morning Sun Shines (1929): Behind the Headlines — Full Movie Info
In this early experimental gem from legendary Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi, *The Morning Sun Shines (1929)* weaves together drama and documentary to illuminate the inner workings of journalism in interwar Japan. Set against the backdrop of a bustling newspaper office, the 25-minute short follows a determined reporter navigating the pressures of truth, deadlines, and ethics while real documentary footage captures the mechanical heartbeat of print production. Mizoguchi's signature visual storytelling shines as he contrasts the human drama of individual ambition with the relentless rhythm of industry, creating a poignant snapshot of an era on the cusp of modernity.
The film's unique blend of staged narrative and authentic behind-the-scenes footage offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century media culture, where ink-stained hands and typewriters clattered in equal measure. With its sparse runtime, *The Morning Sun Shines* feels like a fleeting glimpse into a lost world—a quiet yet powerful meditation on the relationship between creator and craft, where every word matters and every edition tells a story.
