Hiroshi Shimizu was a Japanese film director renowned for his impressive portfolio of silent films, which offered intricate depictions of Japanese society. Born on March 28, 1903, in Shizuoka, he began his cinematic journey at the tender age of 21, after enrolling at the prestigious Shochiku studio in Tokyo in 1924.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hiroshi Shimizu is believed to have directed at least 166 films, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the Japanese film industry. His professional relationship with fellow director Yasujiro Ozu further underscores his significance within the cinematic world.
Despite enjoying widespread recognition during his lifetime, Hiroshi Shimizu's legacy has largely faded into obscurity, even in his native Japan. However, his work has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the release of two box sets by Shochiku in 2008, which feature eight of his films.
Furthermore, in 2009, the Criterion Collection released a box set of four of his films, introducing his work to a new generation of cinephiles.
