In a modest room in Tokyo, an elderly woman sits quietly. Her eyes are deep, as if she can see through time. This woman is Setsuko Hara, who is known as the "Showa Goddess".
Her life is full of legends: when she was young, she was dedicated to MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the US Army, and played a special role for the country. However, the story behind this is little known.
Setsuko Hara, who was unmarried all her life and lived to be 95 years old, her existence seems to be a microcosm of an era. What secrets and suspense are hidden in her story, and what emotions and sacrifices have sustained her through the long years?
Setsuko Hara
Stars of the Showa era: The Rise of Setsuko Hara
In an alley in Kanagawa Prefecture, Masae Aida — later known to everyone as Setsuko Hara — sat quietly in her small, warm room. The sunlight outside the window shone through the thin curtain on her face, adding a soft glow to her beautiful countenance.
Her eyes seem to be able to see through the long river of time and see through the future. She whispered to herself, "I always felt that this was the path I was destined to take." It was an irresistible call to the future, a passion hidden deep in her heart, which drove her to step into the brilliant showbiz.
Setsuko Hara's acting career began with her boundless love for cinema. As a child, she often dreamed that she could shine on the screen. Despite the family's ordinary conditions, her mother always encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
Her mother once said to her: "Changjiang, wherever you go, remember that courage and perseverance are the keys to success." These words took root in her heart like seeds.
Setsuko Hara
The first time she stepped on the stage of the cinema, she was both expectant and a little nervous. She vividly remembers that day she stood on the stage in a simple kimono and the lights cast her shadow on the curtain.
The director said to her: "Changjiang, remember, you were born for this role." She took a deep breath and began her performance. Setsuko Hara's acting talent was quickly recognized. Each of her characters is full of life, as if she could turn any character in a script into a real person.
Her colleagues often say to her, "Your acting skills are amazing, you can play any role." Setsuko Hara always responded modestly: "I just tried my best to play the role to the fullest." ”
Setsuko Hara
War and Film: Setsuko Hara's Twist
The year 1936 was a turning point for Setsuko Hara. At this young age, she is no longer an ordinary girl in the alleys of Kanagawa Prefecture, but a rising star in the Japanese film industry.
In this year, she participated in a Japanese-German collaboration film, which was not only a new height in her career, but also an important decision in her life.
In the process of preparing the film, the director said to her: "Your acting skills can influence countless people, this is a rare opportunity. Setsuko Hara was well aware of the importance of this role, and she replied, "I will do my best to live up to your expectations." Her eyes sparkled with determination and determination.
Setsuko Hara
Her character in this film is a strong and passionate woman who shows extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of the challenges of war and personal adversity.
During the filming process, she often had in-depth discussions with the director and screenwriter about the inner world of the characters, striving to make the characters more three-dimensional and realistic. She once said to a crew colleague between filming: "I hope that through my performance, the audience can feel the real emotions of the characters." ”
The release of this film caused a huge response in Japan at that time. Setsuko Hara's performance was widely acclaimed, and the role she played deeply touched the hearts of the audience. At an audience meeting, an older audience member said to her, "Your performance is very touching, and your character reminds me of my own experience." ”
Setsuko Hara
Hara Setsuko was moved after hearing this, with tears in her eyes: "It is my greatest honor to be able to touch your heart. However, as the war intensified, Hara began to feel the impact of the outside world on her career.
In an interview, she confessed: "As an actor, I want to convey peace and love through art, not to be part of war." This passage reflects her innermost desire for peace and respect for art.
Despite the great challenges that the war brought to her life and career, Setsuko Hara never gave up her love for acting. She insisted on her artistic beliefs in the shadow of the war, and brought a glimmer of light and hope to the audience with her acting skills. Her films have not only come alive on the screen, but have also deeply influenced the hearts of generations of people.
Setsuko Hara
On the Eve of the Storm: Japan's Dilemma in Postwar Times
After World War II, Japan was in dilapidation, the streets were ruined, and the faces of the people were full of despair. MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the US Army, dressed in military uniform, set foot on this land that was once war-torn. His gaze swept around and he sighed deeply, his heart filled with the pride of a victor and the heavy thought of the future of this land.
Although Japan retained the framework of capitalism, the war brought the country's economy to the brink of collapse. In the streets and alleys, people lined up for a little food, their eyes full of desire to survive. MacArthur was confronted with a rebuilt nation, and his every decision would affect the fate of tens of millions of people.
Against this complex backdrop, the fate of Emperor Hirohito became a key issue. As a symbol of war and a sinner, it stands to reason that he deserves to be judged severely. But unexpectedly, the United States chose to intervene in order to protect its own strategic interests, as well as to consider the implications for Japan's future.
Emperor Hirohito
Emperor Hirohito unexpectedly escaped, a decision that caused widespread controversy both in Japan and abroad. Behind this decision, there is a little-known role - Setsuko Hara. Hara Setsuko was a chess piece specially arranged by the Japanese government in order to influence MacArthur.
Young, beautiful, intelligent and cunning, she was given an almost impossible task: to get close to MacArthur and influence his decision-making.
Setsuko Hara, a young and beautiful woman, was chosen by the Japanese government for a special mission: to use her charm and wisdom to influence the decisions of MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the American Army, especially in dealing with the issue of Emperor Hirohito.
Setsuko Hara not only accepted the challenge, but with her ingenuity and unique charisma, she managed to attract MacArthur's attention.
Setsuko Hara
In their dealings with the two, Hara Setsuko skillfully conveyed to MacArthur messages and views favorable to Japan.
At a private dinner, Setsuko Hara cautiously opened a conversation about Japan's future. She asked, "General, how do you think a post-war country should begin to rebuild and rebuild?" and her tone was full of sincerity and expectation.
MacArthur pondered for a moment and then replied, "Rebuilding a country requires a stable political environment and the support of the people." ”
Setsuko Hara
Hara Setsuko then asked, "So, will the retention of the symbolic title of Emperor help maintain this stability and cultural continuity?"
MacArthur looked at Hara Setsuko and replied, "This is indeed a point worth considering. ”
Setsuko Hara uses her wisdom and strategy to quietly change the course of history behind the scenes, and although her role and contributions may not be known in the long course of history, her influence is tangible and far-reaching.
Setsuko Hara
Reversal of Results: The Rise of Japan
As time passed, Hara's influence on MacArthur became more and more apparent.
In the end, due to various factors, the emperor system was preserved, which was undoubtedly an important turning point in Japan's reconstruction and rise. In Japan, Setsuko Hara's status is increasing day by day.
Her carefully constructed image led to the public worshipping her as the "Lady of Showa", and her story and image became a legend in the hearts of the Japanese people. Her photos can be seen everywhere and she has become a heroine in the hearts of the Japanese people. Her fame and influence transcended her personally and became a symbol of the times.
MacArthur
In 1951, the situation changed. MacArthur's defeat in Korea lost the trust of the U.S. military and political authorities, and he was forced to leave Japan and return to China to be punished. The former "Emperor Taishang" left, but for Hara Setsuko, it didn't matter.
Her purpose had been achieved, and MacArthur's presence was of little value to her. The most important thing for her is her contribution and achievements to Japan.
However, for Setsuko Hara personally, her life hasn't changed much because of these glories and achievements. Her life is still simple and low-key, and she did not choose to get married, but spent the rest of her life alone. Her personal life has always been out of the public eye, and her private life has always maintained a sense of mystery.
Setsuko Hara
On September 5, 2015, Setsuko Hara died of pneumonia at a hospital in Kanagawa Prefecture at the age of 95.
Bibliography:
- Zhou Zhenglang.Ozu's Eternal Daughter in the Movie Setsuko Hara: The Real Goddess[J].World Expo,2015,0(24):46-4946