Workers vs. molten metal in 1943 Japan — capitalism has never been this literally hot.
Set in wartime at the Yawata Steel Works in Tobata, Yawata, and Kokura cities in Fukuoka Prefecture, the film depicts people taking on the evil blast furnaces that prevent increased production. The film was shot on location at the actual Yawata Steel Works for an extended period of time, and special effects were created using a miniature blast furnace that closely reproduces the actual one.
Practical Effects
Miniature blast furnace that apparently fooled actual steelworkers.
Production
Location shooting at Yawata Steel Works during active wartime production.
Acting
Setsuko Hara before Ozu, already breaking your heart.
Director
Satsuo Yamamoto
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Yawata Steel Works was Japan's first modern steel mill and remained strategically crucial throughout WWII; filming there required military coordination.
Director Satsuo Yamamoto later became known for anti-establishment films like 'The Human Condition' — this early work shows complicated ideological footing.
JP
