Watch Hyakken A First Night of Dreams

Hyakken: A First Night of Dreams is a Japanese historical drama film released in 2019. Directed by Isshin Inudou, the film stars Kyoto Koizumi, Suzuki Matsuo, and other veteran Japanese actors. The movie narrates the life story of one of the most eminent cultural figures of early 20th century Japan, Hyakken Uchida. Hyakken Uchida is a prominent writer and thinker of the Taisho era, a period in Japanese history spanning from 1912 to 1926. He had a profound impact on the intellectual and cultural landscape of Japan and was known for his humorous and satirical writings. The movie takes the viewers on a journey through the life of Hyakken, starting from his early years as a poor boy in a rural village to his eventual rise to fame as a writer, philosopher, and professor.

The movie opens in a small village in the mountains where Hyakken spent his childhood. Here, the viewers get a glimpse of the rustic life of Japanese peasants and the harsh realities they faced on a daily basis. Hyakken is portrayed as a curious and imaginative child who spends most of his time reading books, which were rare and precious commodities in those days. However, his father, a stern and practical man, forbids him from studying and pushes him to work in the fields.

The film then fast-forwards to Hyakken's youth, where we see him struggling to make ends meet while pursuing his studies against his father's wishes. He decides to leave his village and move to Tokyo to pursue his dreams of becoming a writer. In Tokyo, he faces multiple challenges, including poverty, loneliness, and the cultural shock of a fast-paced and modern city. He meets some like-minded people who expose him to the world of literature and progressive politics.

As the story progresses, Hyakken becomes more confident and vocal about his opinions, which often put him at odds with the conservative society he lived in. He becomes a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines and also starts writing novels and short stories, which become immensely popular among the youth. Hyakken's writings are known for their wit, satire, and criticism of the established social norms.

The movie highlights some of Hyakken's most notable works, including "The Sea of Youth," "Dogura Magura," and "Konjiki Yasha," which are still widely read in Japan. The film also touches upon some of the social and political issues of the time, such as the rise of militarism and nationalism, the struggle for women's rights, and the impact of Western culture on Japan.

Hyakken's personal life is also portrayed in the movie, particularly his relationships with women. He had a reputation for being a ladies' man and had several affairs throughout his life. However, the movie does not sensationalize these relationships and instead portrays them as complex and nuanced, reflecting Hyakken's own struggles with love and commitment.

Overall, Hyakken: A First Night of Dreams is a well-made biopic that brings to life an important figure in Japanese cultural history. The movie skilfully balances historical accuracy with emotional resonance, weaving together the personal and the political in a compelling narrative. The performances by the cast, particularly Kyoto Koizumi as the older Hyakken, are outstanding, bringing depth and authenticity to the characters.

The film is also visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography capturing the changing landscapes of Japan over the years. The costumes and production design are also top-notch and accurately reflect the fashion and style of the Taisho era.

In conclusion, Hyakken: A First Night of Dreams is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese literature and history. The movie offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a man who helped shape the cultural identity of Japan during a time of great change and uncertainty.