Apparently Sessue Hayakawa was a big deal back in his day; considering I wasn't around back then, and also taking into consideration that I've yet to make my way to any of his films at this point in my cinematic pursuits, I'd no clue.
I will say this though, the man has a phenomenal on screen presence and is also one fantastic actor (if his other performances are this top notch he could very well make his way up on my list of favorites.) The story is simple, it's a fable; on one side of the coin a man is on a seemingly eternal search for his long lost love and on the other an aging painter of great renown is seeking for an heir to his talents. The aging man's daughter bares a resemblance to the young painter's lost love, so a deal is arranged to bring the young painter and the daughter together, in order for Kano (the aging man) to pass on his knowledge to a formidable apprentice.
Once Hayakawa's character receives the young lady's hand in marriage his talents, more or less, completely disintegrate, leaving any attempt at artistic endeavors to be in vain. The woman decides then to kill herself, to rid him of her presence so that he may once again be a great painter; what takes place, you'll have to watch this gorgeous silent film to find out.
The placement of the camera, and some of the cinematography is also worth noting, as are the performances of the other main actors involved.
I will say this though, the man has a phenomenal on screen presence and is also one fantastic actor (if his other performances are this top notch he could very well make his way up on my list of favorites.) The story is simple, it's a fable; on one side of the coin a man is on a seemingly eternal search for his long lost love and on the other an aging painter of great renown is seeking for an heir to his talents. The aging man's daughter bares a resemblance to the young painter's lost love, so a deal is arranged to bring the young painter and the daughter together, in order for Kano (the aging man) to pass on his knowledge to a formidable apprentice.
Once Hayakawa's character receives the young lady's hand in marriage his talents, more or less, completely disintegrate, leaving any attempt at artistic endeavors to be in vain. The woman decides then to kill herself, to rid him of her presence so that he may once again be a great painter; what takes place, you'll have to watch this gorgeous silent film to find out.
The placement of the camera, and some of the cinematography is also worth noting, as are the performances of the other main actors involved.