Jiraiya (1937)
A 1937 Japanese fantasy-history film by Masahiro Makino, reimagining the legendary ninja tale as a visually striking revenge story.
Jiraiya - Movie Information
- Original Title: 自来也
- Release Year: 1937
- Directed by: Masahiro Makino
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, History
- Runtime: 56m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 1937 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Ninjutsu sanyô den (JP)
- Production Companies: Nikkatsu Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
Jiraiya - Plot
Based on the old tale of Jiraiya, this 1937 version is essentially a revenge story with fantastic visuals.
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Jiraiya - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Masahiro Makino
Main Cast
- Chiezo Kataoka
- Reiko Hoshi
- Gorō Kawabe
- Takashi Shimura
- Kajō Onoe
- Ryōsuke Kagawa
- Michisaburō Segawa
- Shojiro Ichikawa
- Kōichi Mizuhara
- Kiyoshi Kagawa
Writers
- Yoshitake Hisa
Jiraiya - FAQs
What is Jiraiya (1937) about?
Jiraiya is a 1937 Japanese fantasy-history film rooted in the beloved folk legend of the ninja hero Jiraiya. Directed by Masahiro Makino, it reimagines the classic tale as a revenge story packed with supernatural flair and visually inventive sequences that were remarkable for their era.
Who directed Jiraiya (1937)?
Masahiro Makino directed Jiraiya. A prolific and highly influential figure in Japanese cinema, Makino was celebrated for his dynamic approach to period action films, and Jiraiya stands as one of his many contributions to the jidaigeki and fantasy genres of prewar Japanese film.
Who are the main actors in Jiraiya?
The cast is led by Chiezo Kataoka as the ninja hero Jiraiya and Reiko Hoshi as Princess Tsunade. Gorō Kawabe plays Masamori Sakuma, while Takashi Shimura — later famous for his work with Akira Kurosawa — appears as Gundayû Yao in an early career role.
Is Jiraiya based on a true story or legend?
Jiraiya is not based on a true story but draws from a beloved Japanese folk legend. The tale of Jiraiya, a toad-wielding ninja hero, originated in Edo-period storytelling and kabuki theater. The 1937 film is one of many adaptations of this enduring mythological narrative.
When was Jiraiya released?
Jiraiya was released on December 31, 1937, in Japan. It was produced by Nikkatsu Corporation, one of Japan's oldest and most storied film studios, during a particularly fertile period for Japanese period fantasy and action cinema in the prewar era.
How long is the film Jiraiya (1937)?
Jiraiya runs for 56 minutes, making it a relatively compact feature by modern standards. Despite its short runtime, the film packs in considerable narrative momentum and visual spectacle, reflecting the efficient and energetic filmmaking style that defined Masahiro Makino's approach to the genre.
What are some films similar to Jiraiya?
If you enjoy Jiraiya, you might also love Pan's Labyrinth, Army of Darkness, Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins, The Banquet, and An Empress and the Warriors. These films share a similar blend of fantasy, mythology, and historical adventure that fans of classic Japanese folk-legend cinema tend to appreciate.
Who wrote the screenplay for Jiraiya (1937)?
The screenplay for Jiraiya was written by Yoshitake Hisa, who adapted the classic folk legend for the screen. The film's cinematography was handled by Hideo Ishimoto, and the score was composed by Goro Nishi, rounding out the creative team behind this prewar Japanese fantasy production.
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