Criterion Cast: The Eclipse Viewer

The Eclipse Viewer – Episode 18 – Travels With Hiroshi Shimizu


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This podcast focuses on Criterion’s Eclipse Series of DVDs. Hosts David Blakeslee and Trevor Berrett give an overview of each box and offer their perspectives on the unique treasures they find inside. In this episode, David and Trevor discuss Eclipse Series 15: Travels With Hiroshi Shimizu.

About the films:

Of all the directors who made names for themselves during the Japanese studio golden age of the 1930s, Hiroshi Shimizu was one of the most respected—and, today, one of the least well-known. A curious, compassionate storyteller who was fascinated by characters on the outskirts of society, Shimizu used his trademark graceful traveling shot to peek around the corners of contemporary Japan. In these four lyrical, beautifully filmed tales, concerning geisha, bus drivers, and masseurs, Shimizu journeys far and wide to find the makings of a modern nation.

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Timeline for the podcast:

Introduction/Background (00:00:01 – 00:26:44)

Japanese Girls at the Harbor (00:26:45 – 00:47:40)

Mr. Thank You (00:47:41 – 01:07:17)

The Masseurs and a Woman (01:07:08 – 01:23:22)

Ornamental Hairpin (01:23:23 – 01:41:56)

Conclusion (01:41:57 – 01:50:15)

Buy The Box Set On Amazon:

Episode Links

Director Overview:

  • Senses of Cinema essay by Alexander Jacoby
  • Midnight Eye essay by William M. Drew
  • DavidBordwell.net essay by David Bordwell
  • Box Set Reviews:

    • New York Times review by Dave Kehr
    • DVDTalk review by Jamie S. Rich
    • Slant review by Rob Humanick
    • Film.com review by Mark Bourne
    • Lost in Translation review by Patrick McCoy
    • Japanese Girls at the Harbor:

      • David’s Journey Through the Eclipse Series review
      • The Film Sufi review by the Film Sufi
      • Strictly Film School review by acquarello
      • Silent Volume review by Chris Scott Edwards
      • Digital Silents review by Kevin M. Wentink
      • Mr. Thank You:

        • David’s Journey Through the Eclipse Series review
        • Midnight Eye review by Jasper Sharp
        • Japan Navigator review by Ad Blankestijn
        • Sporadic Scintillations review by D.
        • Shomingekiblog review by Rüdiger Tomczak
        • The Masseurs and a Woman:

          • David’s Journey Through the Eclipse Series review
          • Alt Film Guide review by Doug Johnson
          • Film Static review by Jarrod White
          • Sporadic Scintillations review by D.
          • Some Words Some Places review
          • Ornamental Hairpin:

            • David’s Journey Through the Eclipse Series review
            • Strictly Film School review by acquarello
            • Japan Navigator review by Ad Blankestijn
            • Sporadic Scintillations review by D.
            • I’m Nothing in Particular review by Jesse Freeman
            • Next time on the podcast: Eclipse Series 14: Rossellini’s History Films – Renaissance and Enlightenment

              Contact us:

              • Twitter
              • Email: theeclipseviewer (at) gmail.com
              • David Blakeslee ( Twitter Website )
              • Trevor Berrett ( Twitter / Website )
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