With 89 films made from 1930 to 1967, Mikio Naruse was one of the most well-hidden secrets of the Japanese cinema, and certainly an underdog. He remained for many decades in the heavy shadow of the three big (Ozu, Mizoguchi, Kurosawa), as the fourth great unknown director. Only in the mid-80s, thanks to the hard work and persistence of Audie Bock, West audiences started to discover his great work. This publication, exceptionally edited by Nikos Savvatis, opens with texts by Lefteris Adamidis and the editor, and texts by Joseph Anderson, Donald Richie, Audie Bock, Bernard Eisenschitz, Shigehiko Hasumi, Chris Fujiwara, two texts by the director himself and testimonies of his collaborators. The book closes with solid reviews of the ten films of the tribute, showcasing the immense value of a remarkable cinema Professor.
