Good-for-Nothing 1960
Yoshishige Yoshida's debut feature *Good-for-Nothing* (1960) immerses viewers in the restless world of disillusioned youth, where jazz-filled nights blur into days of emptiness and longing.
Director: Yoshishige Yoshida
Cast
Masahiko Tsugawa
Yūsuke Kawazu
Toshio Akiyama
Hizuru Takachiho
Ikuko Makino
Junichiro Yamashita
Morishita
Yosuke Hayashi
Fujieda
Kakuko Chino
Hisako Makino
Fumio Watanabe
Masao Mishima
Kensaku Kitajima
Shōji Yasui
Hiromi Sakaki
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Good-for-Nothing* (1960) about?
*Good-for-Nothing* follows a disaffected young man from a working-class background whose life intersects with a hopeful young secretary. As he navigates the tension between his aimless lifestyle and her quiet belief in his potential, the film explores themes of class, moral awakening, and the search for purpose in post-war Japan.
Who directed *Good-for-Nothing*?
Yoshishige Yoshida directed *Good-for-Nothing*. Known for his bold visual style and introspective narratives, Yoshida's debut feature sets the tone for his later explorations of societal alienation.
Who stars in *Good-for-Nothing*?
The film stars Masahiko Tsugawa as the lead, alongside Yūsuke Kawazu, Hizuru Takachiho, Junichiro Yamashita, and Yosuke Hayashi, with Kakuko Chino rounding out the ensemble.
Is *Good-for-Nothing* (1960) worth watching?
With its moody jazz soundtrack and stark visuals, *Good-for-Nothing* offers a compelling dive into post-war youth disillusionment. While not widely known internationally, its themes of class struggle and moral ambiguity make it a rewarding watch for fans of 1960s Japanese cinema and character-driven dramas.
How long is *Good-for-Nothing*?
The film runs for 88 minutes.
About Good-for-Nothing (1960) — Yoshida's Debut Drama of Youth and Rebellion
Yoshishige Yoshida's debut feature *Good-for-Nothing* (1960) immerses viewers in the restless world of disillusioned youth, where jazz-filled nights blur into days of emptiness and longing. The film orbits around a rebellious young man from a modest background, whose life takes a turn when he becomes entangled with the secretary of his wealthy friend's father. Though he drifts through life with little direction, her quiet faith in his potential sparks a fragile hope that challenges his aimless existence. Set against Japan's post-war backdrop, this noir-infused drama explores themes of class divide, moral awakening, and the fragile line between cynicism and redemption.
Masahiko Tsugawa leads the cast with a raw, magnetic performance, embodying the contradictions of a character caught between self-destruction and the possibility of change. The film's moody jazz score and stark visuals amplify its themes of boredom and longing, making *Good-for-Nothing* a compelling snapshot of a generation searching for meaning in a rapidly modernizing society.
