Apostasy (1948 film)

Apostasy (破戒) is a 1948 Japanese drama film directed by Keisuke Kinoshita, based on the novel The Broken Commandment by Tōson Shimazaki.

Plot
Segawa, a young school teacher in rural Meiji era Japan, hides his burakumin roots, as he had promised his father, who had hoped for his son to live a life without social discrimination. His promise conflicts with his wish to confess his secret to his fiancée Oshiho. Segawa's mentor and future father-in-law Kazama, ancestor of an old samurai family, has just been forced to retire for plain monetary reasons, thus losing his pension. After meeting with prominent burakumin writer Inoko (who is later killed by a group of villagers), rumours about Segawa's descent are spreading. Put under pressure at a public meeting of the townspeople, he finally reveals the truth. With the majority, including Kazama, turning against him, he is forced to resign. Upon leaving the town together with Oshiho, who has decided to stay by his side, he is waved good-bye by his single loyal colleague Tsuchiya and the town's children.

Cast

 * Ryō Ikebe as Segawa
 * Yōko Katsuragi as Oshiho
 * Osamu Takizawa as Inoko
 * Jūkichi Uno as Tsuchiya
 * Eitarō Ozawa as Takayanagi
 * Ichirō Sugai as Kazama
 * Chieko Higashiyama

Awards

 * Mainichi Film Award for Best Director Keisuke Kinoshita (for Apostasy, Woman and The Portrait)