Watch Walk Cheerfully

Walk Cheerfully is a 1930 Japanese silent crime drama film directed by Yasujirō Ozu, starring Minoru Takada, Hiroko Kawasaki, and Satoko Date. Hailed as a pioneering piece of Japanese cinema, Walk Cheerfully is an intriguing blend of crime and romantic drama, featuring a unique blend of the virtues of both genres. While it is a little rough around the edges and stumbles through at times, its appeal lies in its fast pace and its performances that carry it a long way.

Walk Cheerfully is set in the bustling streets of Tokyo where two former convicts, Takuzo (Minoru Takada) and Kiichi (Hiroshi Shimizu), establish themselves as a couple of hoodlums. They make a living by extorting money from wealthy people, but in reality, they are looking for a way to make a new start for themselves out of the seedy criminal underworld.

Their lives change when they meet the beautiful Haruko (Hiroko Kawasaki), a nightclub hostess with a heart of gold who is tired of her job and is eager to find true love in her life. Takuzo and Kiichi fall for her and try to outdo each other to win her over, but Haruko is not swayed by their criminal behaviors and sees through their charade.

Despite their intentions to leave the world of crime behind them, Takuzo and Kiichi are unable to kick their habits, and before long, they are pulled back into criminal activity. As they navigate their way through the Tokyo underworld, Takuzo and Kiichi's loyalty and trust are tested as they must confront their past and choose between their old lives and their newfound love.

One of the most appealing aspects of Walk Cheerfully is its depiction of Japan's urban landscape, showcasing aspects of the city not seen before in Japanese cinema at the time. Ozu captures the bustling streets in stark, contrasting black and white, creating a rolling tableau for his characters to navigate through. The sound design is minimalist, with natural ambient noise and the movie's score being used sparingly, allowing the narrative to speak for itself.

The film deftly blends the elements of the romantic drama and the crime film genres. In the love story between Haruko and Takuzo, Ozu evokes sincerity and poignancy, while never straying too far from the central crime drama plot. Takuzo and Kiichi's relationship is perhaps the most interesting as they paint a portrait of two men with a deep bond even as they live under the shadow of their criminal histories.

The performances by the lead actors are charismatic and endearing. Takada and Shimizu have a natural rapport and an undeniable chemistry that makes their friendship feel genuine. Kawasaki brings charm and a sense of fragility to her character Haruko, capturing the emotional turmoil that comes with being in love with someone that you shouldn't be but can't help it.

However, one of the downsides of Walk Cheerfully is that it occasionally stumbles under the weight of the limitations of the silent film format. While the visual storytelling is masterful, the occasional need for text cards to explain situations breaks the flow of the storyline, turning the film into more of a slide show than a motion picture. There are also moments where the camerawork and lighting show the inexperience of the filming crew, and the film suffers as a result.

Still, Walk Cheerfully is an enjoyable film, and Yasujiro Ozu's eye for detail and his focus on character development stand out, making it an essential watch for cinema enthusiasts looking for early examples of Japanese cinema. It may not be perfect, but its charm, humor, and subplots are enough to carry it through its shortcomings.

In conclusion, Walk Cheerfully is a fascinating film that combines the virtues of crime and romantic drama. The performances by the cast are strong, and the visual storytelling mingles nicely with the sound design, making an excellent first foray into the world of Japanese cinema. Ozu's direction and eye for detail win viewers over and make the movie an experience worth your time.