The Lion Dance

00:00:03 THE LION DANCE (Kagamijishi)

00:00:53 is the most talented of the last few years.

00:01:06 He was born in a great kabuki family ruled by respect and tradition.

00:01:20 The father entrusted his son's education to Danjuro Ichikawa IX.

00:01:36 with master Danjuro IX during his youth.

00:01:47 It was his innate talent and efforts

00:02:03 He's always looking for perfection.

00:02:12 bright and happy glorious feats.

00:02:28 play young ingenuous girls with generous curves.

00:02:45 a look of a naive and adorable young girl.

00:02:57 He played a funny and innocent boy with the role of Kisen.

00:03:12 For No theatre roles

00:03:23 and kabuki's special , different from No.

00:03:39 Nobody else would have managed to preform this dance so perfectly.

00:03:56 to a big manor the evening of a new year ceremony.

00:04:11 Then, near the end of the dance

00:04:22 She's dancing with a butterfly.

00:04:45 to promote the art of Japanese dance abroad.

00:04:59 But the heart and the highlight of the show weren't changed.

00:05:13 It's the famous scene of the first act

00:05:23 then the scene where, once he's become a lion

00:05:38 The lion dance must express strength and happiness.

00:05:54 we can't help thinking that this line

01:09:03 Directed by Yasujiro Ozu