His Scarlet Cloak (1958)
A sharp and playful Japanese comedy about desire, pretension, and comic revenge in a feudal village.
His Scarlet Cloak - Movie Information
- Original Title: 赤い陣羽織
- Release Year: 1958
- Directed by: Satsuo Yamamoto
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 23, 1958 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Akai jinbaori (JP), 紅袍大将 (SG)
- Production Companies: Kabuki-za
- Production Countries: Japan
His Scarlet Cloak - Plot
The humorous tale of Jimbei, a miller, and his wife Osen who live in complete happiness. But Osen's beauty attracts numerous would-be lovers among whom is the local governor, a timid creature, who is dominated by his high-born and beautiful wife, who dresses in a scarlet battle-tunic, a sign of his family's military merit around which he fabricates fantastic tales of his prowess in war. During the traditional festival when the villagers are released from observance of all social customs and restrictions, it is permissible for any man to attempt win the favors of the one he loves. However, the timid but romantic governor goes to the length of having the miller arrested to clear the way for his seduction of Osen. But Osen fights off his advances with an old hunting gun and dashes out of the mill. Jimbei, meanwhile, has escaped from jail and dashes home to finds the governor in his bed. Convinced that his wife has been violated, he decides to take an eye for an eye.
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His Scarlet Cloak - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Satsuo Yamamoto
Main Cast
- Nakamura Kanzaburō XVII
- Ineko Arima
- Kyōko Kagawa
- Yūnosuke Itō
- Masao Mishima
- Tokue Hanazawa
- Shōbun Inoue
- Ton Shimada
- Haruko Toda
- Keiko Yanagawa
Writers
- Hajime Takaiwa
Producers
- Takero Itō
- Jiro Kaga
His Scarlet Cloak - FAQs
What is His Scarlet Cloak about?
His Scarlet Cloak follows Jimbei, a contented miller, and his beautiful wife Osen, whose charm catches the eye of a cowardly local governor. During a festival that suspends social rules, the governor schemes to seduce Osen, leading to a chain of farcical misadventures, mistaken assumptions, and comic revenge.
Who directed His Scarlet Cloak?
His Scarlet Cloak was directed by Satsuo Yamamoto, a prominent Japanese filmmaker known for his socially engaged storytelling. Here he turns his hand to comedy, bringing a sharp, playful sensibility to this satirical tale of class, desire, and village life in feudal Japan.
Who are the main actors in His Scarlet Cloak?
The film stars Nakamura Kanzaburō XVII as the miller Jimbei and Ineko Arima as his wife Osen. Kyōko Kagawa and Yūnosuke Itō also appear in key roles, alongside Masao Mishima, Tokue Hanazawa, Shōbun Inoue, Ton Shimada, Haruko Toda, and Keiko Yanagawa.
When was His Scarlet Cloak released?
His Scarlet Cloak was released in Japan on September 23, 1958. Produced by Kabuki-za, it arrived during a vibrant era for Japanese cinema and showcases the playful, satirical side of the country's postwar film culture.
What is the significance of the scarlet cloak in the film?
The scarlet battle-tunic at the heart of the story is a symbol of military honor that the timid governor wears to bolster his self-image. He spins elaborate tales of battlefield glory around it, making the cloak a comic emblem of vanity, pretension, and the gap between reputation and reality.
Is His Scarlet Cloak a satire of feudal Japanese society?
Very much so. The film uses its festival setting — where social hierarchies are temporarily suspended — to poke fun at the ruling class. The governor's cowardice and pomposity are played for laughs, while the miller and his wife emerge as the true moral center, outwitting their social superiors with wit and spirit.
How long is His Scarlet Cloak?
His Scarlet Cloak runs for 94 minutes, making it a brisk and entertaining watch. The film keeps its comic momentum going throughout, balancing farcical set pieces with sharper satirical observations about power, desire, and the absurdity of social pretension.
What are some movies similar to His Scarlet Cloak?
If you enjoy the witty, character-driven comedy of His Scarlet Cloak, you might also like Wicked Little Letters (2024), Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025), or Which Brings Me to You (2023). Each offers sharp humor, memorable characters, and a warm sense of fun.
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