【ゆっくり解説】★三船敏郎の「動」に対し、森雅之の「静」。日本映画黄金期を支えたもう一人の天才、静かなる名演10選

[Slow Commentary] Toshiro Mifune’s Movement, Masayuki Mori’s Stillness. Another Genius Supporting the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: 10 Silent Performances . Hello everyone! This is Yukkuri Reimu. This time, I’ll be bringing you a feature on a great actor who is an absolute must-have when talking about the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema . This time, I’ll be focusing on actor Masayuki Mori! While Toshiro Mifune, known as “Mifune of the World,” was a “movement” actor who dominated the screen with his fierce energy, Masayuki Mori was the polar opposite. He possessed both a noble intellect and a somewhat pathological sensitivity, dominating the audience with his inner, quiet aura . A “still” actor? That sounds very intellectual. But without the flashy action, his films might seem a little dull… That’s what makes Masayuki Mori so great. Rather than explosive emotional expressions, he conveyed his characters’ deep anguish, intelligence, and even a fleeting sense of emptiness with a single tear, a downcast gaze, or even a faint tremble of a finger . His dignified, quiet performances leave a strong, unforgettable impression. So, today, we’ll be introducing a ranking of masterpieces that showcase Mori Masayuki’s “quietly brilliant performances.” The son of a literary giant! I see , so that’s why he had such an intellectual aura. Ah . So, today, we’ll be introducing a ranking of masterpieces that showcase Mori Masayuki’s “quietly brilliant performances.” #10 – The Anjo Family Ball (1947) Now, it’s time to announce the rankings! What kind of work is this memorable 10th place? The honorable 10th place goes to the classic “The Anjo Family Ball,” released in 1947. In this work, Mori Masayuki plays Masahiko, the eldest son of a noble family that loses everything in the war and falls into ruin. His role truly embodies the sense of emptiness , torn between pride and reality . The eldest son of a noble family that falls into ruin… sounds like a prideful, pathetic character. But how does that connect to Mori Masayuki’s performance in “Shizuka” ? That’s the key. This Masahiko isn’t just lamenting and grieving. He drowns himself in alcohol to turn a blind eye to reality, and he purposely treats the daughter of someone he owes money to cruelly; he’s simply in despair. Mori Masayuki quietly but powerfully expresses the depths of his broken heart not through loud voices or violence, but simply through a cold gaze and a sudden, self-deprecating smile . Wow… his acting speaks more through facial expressions than through lines or movements. Is there a scene that particularly stands out to you? The highlight is the scene where Masahiko is slapped in the face by his ex-fiancée in front of everyone. Normally , he’d be enraged, right? But Masahiko shows absolutely no emotion. He just grins eerily and starts playing the piano as if nothing had happened. It’s a breathtaking scene, bursting into flames of his bottomless emptiness. At the same time, near the end of the film, he quietly breaks down in tears alone in his room. The contrast between this extreme self-esteem and the vulnerability he harbors highlights the depth of the character. He wasn’t just a jerk, he harbored deep sadness deep inside… It’s truly amazing how he can convey that with such quiet acting . That’s true. Even early in his career, he already showed us his incredible acting, not just as a handsome actor, but as a “Shizuka” who uncovers the complex inner workings of human beings . That’s why “The Anjo Family Ball” is ranked #10. 9th Place – Ototo (1960) The 9th place announcement! I wonder what kind of role will Masayuki Mori play next, showcasing his charm in “Shizuka”? Ninth place goes to the masterpiece “Ototo” by the master director Kon Ichikawa. In this film, Masayuki Mori plays the father of a family. However, he’s the complete opposite of the image of a dignified breadwinner. What do you mean? Does he seem unreliable, despite being a father? That’s exactly right. He’s a writer, but he’s so absorbed in his writing that he leaves most household matters to his daughter. Even when his son turns to delinquency, he doesn’t scold him harshly, just watches from afar. He’s a father who seems to have completely disappeared into the small world of his family . This is completely different from the roles he’s played so far! He’s often played elites or anguished intellectuals. That’s surprising. That’s right. That’s why this role is essential to showcasing the breadth of his acting. By doing nothing and saying nothing, he quietly expresses his powerlessness as a father and his loneliness within his family. His performance lacks any flashy acting, yet his mere presence conveys to the audience the depth of the family’s problems. I see…acting by “doing nothing” seems incredibly difficult. Is there a highlight? Yes, there is. Toward the end of the story, the son falls seriously ill, and the end approaches. Only then does he quietly begin to show his emotions as a father. Don’t miss the scene in particular, where he talks to his sick son about fishing, promising to go with him when he recovers. It’s a truly trivial conversation, not at all exaggerated, but the unassuming affection it conveys tugs at the viewer’s heartstrings. Masayuki Mori’s restrained, masterful performance of “Shizuka” brings tears to your eyes. Perhaps the quiet acting resonates even more deeply because it’s a family story. That’s exactly right. Drama isn’t just about intense emotional clashes. It was a brilliant performance that proved that deep human emotions can be found in quiet demeanor. 8th Place – Yang Guifei (1955) Next up is the announcement of the 8th place. I wonder what role she’ll play this time? Maybe a historical figure. That’s right, Reimu! 8th place is the historical epic “Yang Guifei,” directed by master director Kenji Mizoguchi. In this film, Masayuki Mori plays Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. He is known for his deep love for Yang Guifei, one of the world’s three most beautiful women. He plays an emperor! He seems very dignified. However, he is sometimes thought of as a somewhat useless king, so obsessed with women that he brought the country to its knees… But that’s the true essence of Masayuki Mori’s acting in “Shizuka.” His Emperor Xuanzong is by no means a domineering man of power. He is portrayed as a lonely and sensitive individual , whose grief over the loss of his beloved wife led him to lose interest in politics . Just with his melancholy demeanor, he beautifully expresses the deep loneliness felt by the emperor of a great nation. I see. It’s not just a tragic love story, but a depiction of the emperor’s human suffering. I wonder if he changes when he meets Yang Guifei? Yes, it is only when Xuanzong meets Yang Guifei that he finds peace of mind. The scene where they go out to a festival together, hiding their identities, is heartwarming, as they seem like normal lovers. However, the more their love deepens, the more the Yang family intervenes in politics, and the country falls into chaos. Mori Masayuki’s restrained acting conveys the anguish of the man torn between the woman he loves and his position as emperor. Caught between love and politics… it’s painful just to imagine. What happens in the end? It ends in a tragic way , with the people pressuring Xuanzong to kill Yang Guifei . Unable to protect the woman he loves, he watches as she takes her own life. The emperor’s despair and powerlessness, all he can do is watch… Mori Masayuki conveys all of this to the viewer not through dialogue, but through his dejected posture and the expression of “Shizuka” staring into space . #7 – A Fool’s Love (1949) The rankings are finally reaching their climax! I wonder what work will surprise us with in #7? The #7 spot goes to A Fool’s Love, a film adaptation of the timeless masterpiece by literary master Junichiro Tanizaki. In this film, Mori Masayuki plays a role that completely overturns his previous image as an intelligent and sensitive character, in a good way. What kind of role is this, a role that overturns his image? Is it different from his roles as an emperor or a father ? Yes, completely different. He plays Kumagai, a member of a gang of delinquents who surrounds Naomi, the seductive woman who leads the protagonist to ruin. In other words, he plays a frivolous, playful young man , the polar opposite of the tormented elite he’s played up until now . Masayuki Mori… playing a delinquent?! I can’t imagine him at all! Where’s his usual intellectual aura? That’s what’s so great about him. He’s not just a thug. Through Masayuki Mori’s performance, Kumagai appears on screen as a cold, proud playboy with a hint of intellectualism . He’s an object of the protagonist’s jealousy, but at the same time, he plays a very important role, symbolizing Naomi’s unrestrained nature. I see… Even though he’s not the main character, his presence adds depth to the story. That’s right. What’s particularly noteworthy is how his inherently “quiet” aura is sublimated into the character’s underlying arrogance, coldness, and nihilism. His cool demeanor , rather than his passionate nature, accentuates his playboy nature and dangerous sexiness. In a different position from the lead, he brilliantly portrays a different side of humanity. His versatility as an actor is the reason he’s ranked seventh. No. 6 – Kokoro (1955) The sixth place title has a very literary feel to it. Is “Kokoro” by Natsume Soseki? Yes, that’s right. No. 6 is “Kokoro,” a film adaptation of the masterpiece by literary master Natsume Soseki. Mori Masayuki plays the protagonist, ” Sensei,” an intellectual who lives a pessimistic life, tormented by guilt for betraying his best friend. This role truly embodies the essence of Mori Masayuki’s acting in “Shizuka.” Guilt for betraying a best friend…that’s a very heavy theme. What exactly is it about? During his student days, Sensei became a romantic rival with his best friend, Kaji, over the daughter of the family he was staying with. Sensei, however, outwitted his best friend and married his current wife. As a result, Kaji committed suicide. This self-blame, born of his egoism, dominates Sensei’s entire life. Wow… that’s something he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life… How did Mori Masayuki portray that pain? Did he scream? No, that’s the amazing thing about Mori Masayuki’s performance as “Shizuka.” He never expresses intense emotion. He conveys his emotional burden only through a constant, melancholic expression and a subtle sense of distance, even from his wife . Particularly symbolic is the scene where he visits Kaji’s grave alone, never with his wife, once a month. He stands silently before the grave, without a word. Yet this gesture speaks more eloquently than any dialogue about his unrelenting guilt. His pain is conveyed even without dialogue… Ah. This role of “Sensei” is a masterpiece, a perfect blend of Mori Masayuki’s intellectual aura and his performance as “Shizuka,” which expresses his inner anguish . That’s why it’s number six. Number five – “The Bad Sleeps Well” (1960) finally makes it into the top five! I wonder what role Masayuki Mori’s “Shizuka” performance will really shine in number five? Number five is “The Bad Sleeps Well,” a suspense masterpiece by the world-famous director Akira Kurosawa, delving into the dark side of society . In this film, Masayuki Mori plays Iwabuchi, the vice president of a public corporation who becomes the target of revenge. He truly is the epitome of evil. Finally, a villain has appeared! He’s played many sensitive roles, so I’m really curious to see what kind of villain he’ll be. This isn’t just a villain. He’s usually gentle-mannered, and at home, he presents the face of a loving father who dotes on his daughter. But behind the scenes, he’s willing to abandon his longtime subordinates for his own self-preservation and even use his beloved daughter as a tool to trap a vendetta. He’s a cold-hearted, cunning man with two sides. Wow…he’s even more evil than I imagined… How did Mori Masayuki convey that terror? His “quiet” acting shines here, too. He doesn’t explode with emotion, but maintains a perfectly calm demeanor. His composed demeanor highlights Iwabuchi’s unfathomable malice and his cold-heartedness, devoid of human emotion. The silence is chilling to the viewer. I see… It’s precisely because he’s quiet that it feels even more eerie. Which scene best captures this terror? It has to be the final scene of the film. After eliminating all the obstacles, Iwabuchi reports to an even more powerful “invisible partner” on the other end of the phone. And then, into the phone, he bows deeply. At this moment, we realize that he himself is merely a tiny part of a vast system of evil . His vacant expression at that moment, as if devoid of all light, symbolizes the film’s hopeless theme, making it the most bizarre performance of “Shizuka.” #4 – The Idiot (1951) Here’s the #4 ranking! The title “The Idiot” is shocking, but I wonder what kind of role it is. #4 is director Akira Kurosawa’s ambitious take on Dostoevsky’s novel, “The Idiot.” Masayuki Mori plays the protagonist, Kinji Kameda, whose shock at the hands of war has made him so innocent that he’s nicknamed “the idiot.” It’s a very challenging role, completely different from his previous roles. An innocent role… I have a strong image of him as an intelligent and cool guy, so I can’t imagine him playing one at all! How do you play him? His usual sharp gaze is gone, and he’s always somewhat timid, smiling with a childlike innocence. And most importantly, Kameda’s best friend, Akama Denkichi, a man of intense passion, is played by none other than Mifune Toshiro. What! Mifune Toshiro appears here?! It ‘s not like Mori Masayuki from “Silent” and Mifune Toshiro from “Motion” are co-starring as best friends! That’s right! Kameda possesses a godlike kindness that never suspects anyone, but this in turn exposes the jealousy and ego of those around him, including Akama. Mori Masayuki embodies Kameda’s fragile, pure character, who seems as if he could break if touched, in his performance as “Silent.” His innocent gaze stirs the viewer’s heart and simultaneously highlights the characters’ intense passion. Just the two of them, the quiet Masayuki Mori and the passionate Toshiro Mifune, standing side by side, seem to convey the tension of the story. Particularly striking is Kameda, who stands there with a sad expression , at the mercy of the conflict surrounding him and the intense emotions of his best friend, Akama . His helpless presence alone expresses the core of the story, in which his innocence becomes the trigger for tragedy. Here lies the essence of Masayuki Mori’s “stillness” acting , matching Mifune’s “movement . ” 3rd Place – Ugetsu Monogatari (1953) It’s finally time to announce the top three! I wonder what work made it to third place? In third place is Kenji Mizoguchi’s “Ugetsu Monogatari,” a timeless masterpiece that shines in Japanese cinema history . It’s a masterpiece that has been recognized worldwide , winning the Silver Lion Award at the Venice International Film Festival . Amazing! This work has received international acclaim. Is Mori Masayuki playing another intellectual role? No, that’s not the case at all. This time, he plays the potter Genjuro, a man driven by greed who seeks to escape his impoverished life and capitalize on the war to make a fortune. It ‘s the polar opposite of his previous intellectual image; a humane, slightly foolish character. A man driven by greed… that seems dangerous. Does that desire lead to something? Absolutely. He travels to the capital to sell his pottery, where he meets Wakasa, a bewitching beauty from the Kuchiki estate. Unable to resist her charms, Genjuro forgets he has a wife and child and becomes immersed in a life of luxurious pleasure. Without overacting, Mori Masayuki captures the weakness of a man who gives in to his desire and his somewhat dreamy state through a quiet presence. Wow… but could that beautiful woman be…? As Reimu suspected, her true identity was the spirit of a family who had died, lingering in lingering grief. Genjuro finally realizes he’s been possessed by a spirit when an old monk points out that he has a mysterious aura. He wakes up in the ruins and realizes that everything he’s experienced was an illusion. Mori Masayuki’s stunned, “Shizuka” expression at that moment truly captures the story. It’s a masterpiece that perfectly embodies the emptiness that awaits at the end of desire. No. 2 – Rashomon (1950) Finally, we’re in second place! At this point, it seems like we’re about to see a masterpiece that everyone knows…! And it certainly is! Second place goes to Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon, a monumental work of Japanese cinema! This film shook the world and made Japanese cinema famous around the world. Rashomon! It’s here! Does Mori Masayuki play the famous thief? No, that’s the crux of this theme. The rough thief, Tajomaru, was played by Mifune Toshiro in “Mo.” In contrast, Mori Masayuki played Kanazawa Takehiro, the noble samurai who was murdered. Moreover, he became a murderer and spoke as a ghost through the mouth of a shrine maiden, making him the ultimate “still” character. Speaking as a ghost…? ! I can’t even imagine it. How did Mori Masayuki convey this “stillness” in comparison to the beast-like Mifune Toshiro ? First, there’s his testimony, spoken through the shrine maiden. It conveys not only the resentment and grief of being betrayed by his wife , but also his self-preservation, even after the murder, as a samurai, saying, “I was betrayed by my wife, and in despair, I committed suicide .” In other words, his ego is clearly evident. Mori Masayuki brilliantly expressed these complex emotions with just the trembling and tone of his voice. His voice alone conveys the human ego… But he does appear in the flashback scenes, right? Yes. And the single moment of expression he shows in that flashback scene says it all. When his humiliated wife pleads for his help, he gives her an icy, scornful gaze. This glance alone speaks louder to the audience than any lines, revealing the human weakness and cruelty hidden beneath his elegant demeanor . His approach, the polar opposite of Mifune’s emotional outbursts, shows the horror of humanity. I see… It’s precisely because the two actors’ performances are polar opposites that human nature is brought to light even more. That’s exactly right. The more violent Mifune’s violent “movement” is, the more Masayuki Mori’s icy “stillness” stands out. Without the clash of these two geniuses , each enhancing the other , this masterpiece would not have been born. That’s why “Rashomon” takes second place. 1st Place – Floating Clouds (1955) Finally, the glorious first place winner is announced! What work will rise to the top of Mori Masayuki’s “Quiet Masterpieces” ? Beating out numerous other masterpieces, the film that takes the top spot is Naruse Mikio’s “Floating Clouds,” released in 1955! It’s been ranked number one multiple times in the film magazine Kinema Junpo’s “All-Time Best” list, and is widely considered the greatest masterpiece in Japanese film history . It’s a legendary film, highly regarded by film professionals! That’s impressive! What kind of role does Mori Masayuki play? He plays Tomioka Kengo, an engineer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. He’s a hopelessly indecisive man who continues a protracted relationship with Yukiko, whom he met in French Indochina (present-day Vietnam) during the war . What!? He’s ranked number one as such a loser!? That ‘s quite surprising… Where did his intelligent and elegant image go…? That’s it. Without any dramatic overacting, Mori Masayuki perfectly embodies Tomioka’s sense of emptiness and the helplessness of having given up on everything , simply through his nonchalant demeanor and the lonely expression he occasionally flashes. His performance as “Shizuka” beautifully reveals the inner world of this empty man. I see… It’s precisely because of his quiet acting that his incompetence and emptiness are conveyed more realistically. That’s right. And the final scene is the highlight. Having lost everything, he is washed ashore on Yakushima, where he witnesses the final moments of Yukiko, who loved him to the end. There, while applying makeup to her, Tomioka sobs for the first time like a child. These final tears, shed by a man who had never shown emotion up until that point, reveal everything this hopeless man had hidden inside him. This is truly the pinnacle of Mori Masayuki’s performance as “Shizuka.” That’s why “Floating Clouds” is number one. Overall Review or Summary: Wow, it was amazing! Through this ranking, my image of Mori Masayuki as an actor has completely changed. I’ve realized his mysterious yet powerful charm: even without expressing intense emotion, his quiet demeanor seems to exude the depth, fragility, and complex emotions of humanity ! Right? At the core of his acting has always been “intelligence” and “elegance.” His origins as the son of the literary master Takeo Arishima also give him an overwhelming depth to the anguish and emptiness he portrays, something no other actor could match. He could tell a story without any flashy movements, just by standing there. He was truly a genius of “stillness.” He supported the golden age of Japanese cinema in a way that was different from the “moving” geniuses like Toshiro Mifune . Mori Masayuki’s quiet, introspective acting brought diverse human portrayals and deep psychological portrayals to Japanese cinema. It makes watching old movies seem even more enjoyable. I’m glad to hear you say that! If this video conveyed even a little of the charm of the actor Mori Masayuki, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. His presence is indispensable when talking about the golden age of Japanese cinema. From now on, be sure to pay attention to the overwhelming presence of “stillness” and watch many masterpieces! Well, see you in the next video!

【ゆっくり解説】★三船敏郎の「動」に対し、森雅之の「静」。日本映画黄金期を支えたもう一人の天才、静かなる名演10選

概要
「世界のミフネ」と称された三船敏郎の「動」の輝きとは対照的に、内に秘めた苦悩と知性、そして虚無感に満ちた「静」の演技で日本映画黄金期を支えた、もう一人の天才俳優・森雅之。彼の静かなる名演が光る傑作の数々を、霊夢と魔理沙がランキング形式で徹底解説します!

立ち絵:坂本アヒル
https://seiga.nicovideo.jp/seiga/im10…
■ウィキペディア
■いらすとや
[フリーBGM DOVA-SYNDROME / FREE BGM DOVA-SYNDROME] https://dova-s.jp/ #freebgm #フリーBGM #dovasyndrome

0:00 前説(イントロ)
1:46 10位: 安城家の舞踏会 (1947)
4:15 第9位: おとうと (1960)
6:44 第8位: 楊貴妃 (1955)
8:58 第7位: 痴人の愛 (1949)
11:04 第6位: こころ (1955)
13:13 第5位: 悪い奴ほどよく眠る (1960)
15:29 第4位: 白痴 (1951)
17:50 第3位: 雨月物語 (1953)
19:58 第2位: 羅生門 (1950)
22:29 第1位: 浮雲 (1955)
24:42 総評・まとめ

4 Comments

  1. 名門の出自で映画俳優に
    身内の方々はどう感じてたのか
    ともかくも俳優としては
    他の俳優とは違って
    育ちの良さから出る
    品が有りましたね
    身長は余り高くなかったけど
    ダンディーで好きな俳優でした
    お気に入りの作品は「雨月物語」と
    「座頭市・あばれ火祭り」で
    演じた闇公方が出色ですね😮

  2. 森雅之さんはとても魅力的で大好きな俳優さんですが、ダメ男?気持ちと行動がチグハグなヤツ?そんな役柄が多いイメージです(まるで自分自身を見ているような😢)。そうした彼のキャラはランキングにも表れていると感じますね。『安城家の舞踏会』は津島恵子さんのデビュー作でもありファンの人は必見です。
    本当のクソ野郎を演じた『色ざんげ』なんて作品もありました。
    ランキング外ですが、『四人目の淑女』は展開を推理しながら観ると面白いですよ(「四人目の淑女」とは誰を指すのか?)。
    加えて、久我美子さんと共演した『再会』や『恋文』(監督は田中絹代さん!)、『あの手この手』の3作はなかなかの名作です。

  3. 森雅之さんの映画ですか。あまり観てないなぁ…と思っていたら、あらまあほとんど観てましたねw印象が薄くて忘れたわけじゃないのですがどうして?
     安城家〜では、気品はあるが性格が捻くれている華族の長男役。これは森さんの役柄の根底に流れている基礎の部分じゃないでしょうか。捻くれているのは悪い意味じゃなく、これがあるからこそ善人も悪人も複雑な性格も使い分けできていると思います。
     悪い奴ほど〜の最後には、背筋が凍りましたね。救いようがないラストに向かって行く様は、マジかぁ、と思いましたが、さらに電話でかしこまる態度を見て、さらに上がいるのかと絶望が押し寄せてくる、逆に凄い静かなラストでした。
     でも、やはり一位は「浮雲」でしょう。ラストまでの流れが秀逸で、派手に盛り上げるでもなく…。あの体験は初めてでした。森さんが泣き始めたとき、自分も泣いているのに気づき、声を上げて泣くシーンは、自分も嗚咽が止まりませんでした。それでも観終わった後の虚脱感は、心地良いものでした。森さんの演技力に飲み込まれたとしか言いようがありません。
     これだから映画好きは辞められないんですねw

Pin