Japanese Actor/Director

[Li Hoo Cheong]

Another lesser figure that comes to mind is the late
Saburi Shin who directed a number of respectable films
in the early 1950s, with three films among KineJun's 
annual top ten, one ranking higher than <Rashomon>.
Saburi gave up directing because it is too hard and
exhausting.  I say lesser because the films he directed
are rarely seen today, but his acting ability is evident
in many films.  He is the father in Ozu's <Equinox Flower>.

Another well-known actor, Yamanaka So (the eldest son in
<Tokyo Story>) did also direct.  So had the famous actress
Tanaka Kinuyo (1909-1977) whose directorial career is the
subject of an article published some years ago in <Cinemaya>.

One director/actor who seldom (or never?) combined both
roles is the late Fujita Toshihachi (correct reading?).
When he died last year, there were a few postings on him
in our list.

H. C. Li