One of the undisputed masters of Japan cinema, Shimizu Hiroshi (1903-1966) made well over 100 films in his career, ranging from children's films to lighthearted comedies to stories from the fringe. His outstanding cinematic achievements match that of contemporary great and lifelong friend Ozu Yasujiro, though the latter has eclipsed him in recognition. Shimizu Hiroshi is particularly well known for his children's films, but his steady stream of output for Shochiku from the 1920s to 1950s yielded a far wider selection of films, many of which have been sadly lost to time. In comparison to Ozu's films which are readily available, Shimizu's works have been near impossible to find outside of the festival circuit, but Shochiku is now finally releasing Shimizu's films on DVD with English subtitles.
Based on a Tsubota Joji novel, Shimizu's 1937 faeture Children in the Wind is probably his most well-known work, helping establish his reputation as a children's film director. Brothers Zenta (Hayam Masao) and Sanpei (Bakuden Kozo) carelessly wile their summer away in the countryside, bullying neighbor Kintaro and fighting over who gets to deliver their father's daily lunchbox. Sunny days come to an abrupt end when their father is accused of forging documents and put in jail. While his mother looks for work, Sanpei is sent away to stay with his father's retired schoolmaster, but he can't stop getting into trouble.
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