LAND OF NEW MOVIES

It's tough being a man, as Tora-san found out repeatedly over 48 films from 1969 to 1995. Japan's longest running film series, Otoko wa Tsurai yo started out as a television drama in 1968 before jumping to the big screen in 1969 with Yamada Yoji at the helm and Atsumi Kiyoshi in the iconic role of traveling salesman Tora-san. For the next 26 years, Tora-san would like timework grace Japan's big screens up to four times a year, continuing his unfortunate romantic adventures around the country. Everywhere he goes, kind-hearted Tora-san invariably falls in love with a local damsel played by a top actress, but he always ends up with a broken heart in the end. With the exception of the third and fourth films, the entire series was written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yamada Yoji, more recently known for Kabei - Our Mother and his Samurai Trilogy (Twilight Samurai, Hidden Blade, Love and Honor). To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tora-san, all the films are now being released on digitally remastered DVD!

The first film in the beloved series, Otoko wa Tsurai yo sees Tora-san returning to his family home after two decades of drifting. His parents have recently passed away, and everyone hopes that he will lay roots and stay behind this time. When Tora-san's uncouth manners ruins his younger sister's matchmaking chances, however, he ashamedly decides to hit the road again. At a temple in Nara, he falls deeply in love with the beautiful Fuyuko, and even thinks about settling down for the first time in his life. But Fuyuko suddenly reveals to him that there's already someone in her heart.