Direction
Ichikawa's playful visual wit before his darker masterpieces.
Acting
Yūnosuke Itō's endearing awkwardness as the hapless teacher.
Writing
Sharp social observation disguised as breezy comedy.
Director
Kon Ichikawa
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during Japan's post-occupation economic recovery, the film gently critiques the precariousness of salaried life that would define the 'salaryman' archetype.
Ichikawa made this between his documentary work and literary adaptations, experimenting with tonal lightness he'd largely abandon for heavier material like 'The Burmese Harp' and 'Tokyo Olympiad'.
JP
