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Half Virgin (1938) is a curious blend of drama and romance that captures the essence of its time through the lens of Miyake's tumultuous life. The story unfolds with a certain melancholy, as she juggles her relationship with Daijiro Natsukawa, a struggling novelist, while contemplating her future in a world that feels both constricting and liberating. The pacing has a deliberate, almost languid quality, allowing the viewer to soak in the emotions and societal expectations of the era. What stands out is the atmosphere, tinged with a sense of longing and exploration, as Miyake navigates her path to independence amidst the backdrop of traditional roles. Performances are nuanced, reflecting the internal conflicts of a woman caught between love and societal duty.
Half Virgin has been somewhat elusive in collector circles, with few high-quality prints surfacing over the years. Given its age and the obscurity of its director, many collectors find the film intriguing for its window into 1930s Japanese cinema and its exploration of gender roles. The scarcity of materials and the film's nuanced storytelling make it a point of interest for those looking to delve deeper into pre-war Japanese film aesthetics.
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