As an avid reader and movie lover, I often find myself drawn to works that have both a literary and cinematic adaptation. One such work that has captured my attention is “An Actor’s Revenge” by Otokichi Mikami. Originally published as a three-part serialized novel in 1926, the story has been adapted for both the stage and screen, including the 1963 film directed by Kon Ichikawa. In this article, I will be exploring the key differences between the movie and book versions, as well as delving into the setting, characters, and soundtrack of “An Actor’s Revenge.”
Introduction to “An Actor’s Revenge” – Movie and Book
“An Actor’s Revenge” tells the story of Yukinojo Nakamura, a renowned kabuki actor seeking revenge against the three men who drove his parents to their deaths. Disguising himself as a beautiful woman named Yukitaro, Nakamura sets out to seduce and manipulate his targets, leading them to their ultimate downfall. The story is set in Edo-era Japan and explores themes of revenge, love, and identity.
In 1963, “An Actor’s Revenge” was adapted into a film directed by Kon Ichikawa. Starring Kazuo Hasegawa as Yukinojo Nakamura/Yukitaro, the movie received critical acclaim and has become a classic of Japanese cinema. While the movie stays true to the overall plot of the book, there are several key differences between the two versions.
Plot Summary of “An Actor’s Revenge” – Movie and Book
The basic plot of “An Actor’s Revenge” remains the same in both the book and movie versions. Yukinojo Nakamura seeks revenge against the three men who drove his parents to their deaths, and he does so by disguising himself as a woman named Yukitaro. Along the way, he falls in love with a prostitute named Ohatsu, who is also seeking revenge against one of the same men. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Nakamura/Yukitaro and the three men, with tragic consequences.
However, there are several differences in the way the plot is presented in the book and movie. For example, in the book, Nakamura’s revenge is motivated by his desire to avenge his parents’ deaths, while in the movie, he is seeking revenge for the death of his mentor. Additionally, the movie places more emphasis on the love story between Nakamura/Yukitaro and Ohatsu, while the book focuses more on Nakamura’s revenge plot.
Key Differences between the Movie and Book Versions
While the overall plot of “An Actor’s Revenge” remains the same in both the book and movie versions, there are several key differences between the two. One of the most significant differences is the portrayal of the character of Yukinojo Nakamura. In the book, Nakamura is portrayed as a more complex and nuanced character than in the movie. His motivations for seeking revenge are more clearly defined, and his relationships with other characters are more fully explored.
Another major difference between the book and movie versions is the way the story is structured. The book is divided into three parts, each with its own distinct plot and set of characters. The movie, on the other hand, condenses these three parts into a single narrative, with some characters and plot points being left out entirely.
Setting and Film Locations
Both the book and movie versions of “An Actor’s Revenge” are set in Edo-era Japan, and both do an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere and culture of the time. However, the movie version takes advantage of its visual medium to create stunning landscapes and set pieces that are not present in the book. For example, the movie features several scenes set in a cherry blossom garden, which is not present in the book.
The movie was filmed on location in Japan, with several scenes shot at the Toho Studios in Tokyo. Other locations used in the film include the historic city of Kyoto and the scenic Izu Peninsula.
Character Analysis – Who’s Who in “An Actor’s Revenge”
“An Actor’s Revenge” features a cast of complex and fascinating characters, each with their own motivations and desires. One of the most interesting characters in the book and movie is Yukinojo Nakamura/Yukitaro. As previously mentioned, the movie places more emphasis on his relationship with Ohatsu, while the book focuses more on his revenge plot. However, in both versions, he is a complex and multifaceted character, struggling to balance his desire for revenge with his love for Ohatsu.
Another memorable character in “An Actor’s Revenge” is the villainous Sansai Dobe. In the book, he is portrayed as a more sympathetic character, with his motivations for his actions being more fully explored. In the movie, he is more clearly defined as a villain, with less nuance to his character.
Memorable Quotes from “An Actor’s Revenge”
“An Actor’s Revenge” is full of memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story’s themes and characters. One of the most famous quotes from the movie is spoken by Yukinojo Nakamura, as he prepares to take revenge on one of his targets: “I will serve him the bitterest dish that he ever tasted. And make him digest it to the last crumb.”
Another memorable quote from the movie comes from Ohatsu, as she reflects on her relationship with Nakamura/Yukitaro: “I am Ohatsu, and yet I am not Ohatsu. I have become someone else through you.”
Soundtrack by Tamekichi Mochizuki and Masao Yagi – Bios and Other Works
The soundtrack for “An Actor’s Revenge” was composed by Tamekichi Mochizuki and Masao Yagi. Mochizuki was a prolific composer in the Japanese film industry, and he worked on several other films with Kon Ichikawa. Yagi was a singer and actor who also worked on several other films in the 1960s and 1970s.
Curiosities and Trivia about “An Actor’s Revenge”
“An Actor’s Revenge” has several interesting curiosities and pieces of trivia associated with it. For example, the movie was released in the same year that the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No,” came out. Both films feature a scene in which the villain is killed by being impaled on a large object.
Another interesting piece of trivia is that Kazuo Hasegawa, who played the lead role in the movie, was a famous kabuki actor in real life. His performance in “An Actor’s Revenge” is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Japanese cinema history.
Cosplay and Dressing like Yukinojo Nakamura / Yamitaro the Thief and Ohatsu
“An Actor’s Revenge” features several iconic costumes and outfits that are perfect for cosplay and dressing up. Yukinojo Nakamura’s Yukitaro costume, in particular, has become a popular choice for cosplay enthusiasts. The costume consists of a white kimono with a red obi and a black wig with a distinctive bun. Ohatsu’s costume, which features a red kimono with a black obi, is also a popular choice for cosplay.
Otokichi Mikami – Bio and 5 Best Works
Otokichi Mikami was a Japanese author and playwright who wrote several notable works in the early 20th century. “An Actor’s Revenge” is widely regarded as his masterpiece, but he also wrote several other works that are well worth reading. Some of his best works include “The Gold Demon,” “The Moon Over the Ruined Castle,” and “The Flower of Edo.”
Other Works by Kon Ichikawa – A Brief Overview
Kon Ichikawa was a Japanese film director who worked on several notable films throughout his career. In addition to “An Actor’s Revenge,” some of his other notable works include “Fires on the Plain,” “The Burmese Harp,” and “Tokyo Olympiad.” He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create stunning visual compositions.
10 Similar Movies to “An Actor’s Revenge”
If you enjoyed “An Actor’s Revenge,” there are several other movies that you might also enjoy. Some of the most similar movies include “Kwaidan” (1964), “The Sword of Doom” (1966), and “Harakiri” (1962). All of these movies feature similar themes of revenge, honor, and tragedy, and they are all considered classics of Japanese cinema.
Book Club Discussion Questions for “An Actor’s Revenge”
If you are reading “An Actor’s Revenge” for a book club, there are several discussion questions that can help guide your conversation. Some possible questions include:
- What do you think motivates Yukinojo Nakamura to seek revenge?
- How does the setting of Edo-era Japan influence the story?
- What do you think the story is saying about gender and identity?
- How does the movie adaptation compare to the book?
10 Similar Novels to “An Actor’s Revenge”
If you enjoyed “An Actor’s Revenge,” there are several other novels that you might also enjoy. Some of the most similar novels include “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu, “The Revenge of the Forty-Seven Ronin” by John Allyn, and “The Pillow Book” by Sei Shonagon. All of these works feature similar themes of love, revenge, and tragedy, and they are all considered classics of Japanese literature.
Parental Advisory – Age Appropriate Content
“An Actor’s Revenge” deals with themes of revenge, violence, and sexuality, and as such, it may not be appropriate for all audiences. Parents should be aware of the mature content of the book and movie before allowing their children to read or watch it.
Conclusion
“An Actor’s Revenge” is a fascinating work of literature and cinema that explores themes of revenge, love, and identity. While the movie adaptation differs in several key ways from the original book, both versions are well worth experiencing. Whether you are a fan of Japanese cinema, literature, or both, “An Actor’s Revenge” is a must-read/must-watch.
