Name: Fue no Shiratama (Eternal Heart) Director: Hiroshi Shimizu Studio: Shochiku Starring: Emiko Yagumo, Michiko Oikawa, Minoru Takada, Jun Arai Release Date: October 17, 1929 (Japan) Runtime: 101 minutes Format: Black-and-white, silent film with Japanese intertitles Country: Japan Language: Silent (Japanese intertitles) Genres: | Drama | Silent Film | Romance | Psychological | --- Summary: *Fue no Shiratama* (also known as *Eternal Heart* or *Undying Pearl*) is a 1929 Japanese silent drama directed by Hiroshi Shimizu. The film centers on Toshie (Emiko Yagumo), a reserved and traditional typist who harbors unspoken love for her colleague, Shozo (Minoru Takada). However, Shozo becomes enamored with Toshie's younger, more modern sister, Reiko (Michiko Oikawa). As Reiko's flirtations lead to a proposal, Toshie selflessly supports their union, suppressing her own feelings. The narrative delves into themes of unrequited love, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Japan. --- Background: *Fue no Shiratama* is the earliest extant film by Hiroshi Shimizu, a director renowned for his nuanced portrayals of human emotions and social dynamics. Based on Kan Kikuchi's novel, the film showcases Shimizu's adeptness at blending traditional storytelling with innovative cinematic techniques. The production was handled by Shochiku, one of Japan's leading film studios. The film's existence provides valuable insight into the cinematic landscape of late 1920s Japan, reflecting the cultural shifts and the evolving role of women in society. --- Trivia: * Emiko Yagumo, who portrayed Toshie, was a prominent actress in early Japanese cinema and frequently collaborated with director Yasujirō Ozu. * The film's cinematography, led by Tarō Sasaki, is noted for its expressive use of lighting and composition, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. * *Fue no Shiratama* was one of the films featured in the "Travels with Hiroshi Shimizu" box set released by the Criterion Collection, highlighting its significance in Shimizu's oeuvre. * The film's title, translating to "Undying Pearl," symbolizes the enduring nature of unspoken love and the inner strength of the protagonist. --- Hashtags: \#FueNoShiratama #EternalHeart #HiroshiShimizu #SilentFilm #JapaneseCinema #EmikoYagumo #Shochiku #UnrequitedLove #1920sFilm #ClassicJapaneseFilm