Humanistic yet humorous, this film which promises laughter and tears, features the unsuccessful love and family drama of a peddler, Tora-san (starring Kiyoshi Atsumi) who travels back and forth from his home in downtown Tokyo. The life and sentiment of characters depicted in the film made it a long running hit since its first screening in 1969, spanning 48 episodes till 1995 and one special episode in 1997.
NTV, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation will air three selected films of Tora-san dubbed in Bangla for the first time to introduce various aspects of Japan as well as familiarise Bangladeshi viewers with the Japanese culture and faces. The screening information on Tora-san’s Many-splintered Love and Tora-san Goes North will be informed on the website of NTV and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh later this year.
#Box
Screening Information
Tora-san’s Sunrise and Sunset
17th in the series: Released July, 1976
Date and time of broadcasting: 8:45am, September 29, 2016 TV channel: NTV
Synopsis:
Tora-san meets a grubby old man at a downtown bar in Ueno. He mistakes the old fellow for a tramp and feeling sorry for him, invites the old man back to the family home. The family is surprised to learn that the “old tramp” is in fact the famous artist, Seikan Ikenouchi (Jukichi Uno) who in the manner of all true Japanese art luminaries, goes by the single name “Seikan.” In gratitude for the family’s hospitality, Seikan presents them with a piece of artwork he creates especially for them. This picture turns out to be worth a small fortune and when Tora-san asks for more artwork, in order to solve a number of his regular problems, a heated argument ensues. As always, this exchange drives away Tora-san from the family home and puts him on the road, this time to Tatsuno City in Hyogo Prefecture, where he coincidentally reunites with Seikan at an inn.
In the honour of the famous artist, the city prepares a feast complete with geisha where Tora-san thoroughly enjoys the festivities. Along the way, he becomes good friends with one of the geisha, Botan (Kiwako Taichi). Botan reveals she is having problems with one of her customers, Kito (Asao Sano) who borrowed two million Yen from her and was last seen heading for Tokyo. Eventually, Botan comes to Tokyo tracking the man who stole her money. Tora-san is very angry at this betrayal and he vows to help her.
The friendship between Tora-san and the Living National Treasure Seikan, is an enjoyable contrast, proving that aligning Tora-san and intellectuals is always brilliant comedy. The beautiful Kiwako Taichi is superb in her role as a vulnerable geisha and her appearance helps make the 17th film of the series, one of the most memorable of all the Tora-san films. On a side note, legendary performer Yoshiko Okada made her comeback to the world of Japanese film in the supporting role of Shino, Seikan’s ex-lover.
Madonna: Kiwako Taichi
Guest actors: Jukichi Uno, Yoshiko Okada
Location: Tatsuno, Hyogo Prefecture
