Now Viewing: shoujo_tsubakiTag type: Copyright 少女椿 The title translates to The Camellia Girl. Its exact origin remains uncertain, but the story was a commonly retold one in kamishibai plays (Japanese street plays) during the Showa period of Japanese history, roughly the 1920s- 1930s. It is a story of a poor girl who starts off selling camellias just to survive, but ends up being forced into performing at a revue show. The tag generally refers to Suehiro_Maruo's 1984 manga adaptation of the story, which provides a much darker and horror-influenced take on the classic story. Midori, the name of the Camellia Girl in this version, is a young orphan reduced to selling camellias to survive after her mother suddenly passes away. One night, a man named Mr. Arashi approaches her and offers to take care of her. Midori takes him up on the offer and she becomes the newest member of Arashi's traveling circus troupe. Unfortunately for Midori, said troup is falling on hard times and the other members are either hostile or have sleazy intentions towards her, and Midori is repeatedly humiliated both physically and psychologically. However, things begin to look up for her once a mysterious dwarf magician named Wonder Masimitsu joins the troupe. He is a master of Western magic tricks, something the others have never seen before, and he becomes an instant hit with audiences. Furthermore, he develops feelings for Midori who finds herself reciprocating. Involving herself with him may be the best chance for a better life for Midori. . . The manga was adapted twice, once as an independent 1992 anime almost entirely created singlehandedly by Harada_Hiroshi who spent five years working on it. The soundtrack was composed by J.A. Seazer. Said film was extremely controversial due to its graphic content to the point that it was actually banned and some footage of it was permanently destroyed. It was also difficult to find for decades due to Harada only showing it at venues that were intentionally designed to evoke carnival freak shows like the one that is the subject of the film. It was finally released on DVD in 2006. The anime film is also localized as Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show. The manga was adapted as a live action film in May 2016. The film was directed by TORICO and starred Nakamura Risa as its eponymous heroine. This adaptation notably toned down the graphic content of the anime/manga. Cast: Main Characters: Midori_(Shoujo_Tsubaki) Wonder_Masimitsu Arashi's Circus Troupe: Arashi_Kojiro Akaza_(Shoujo_Tsubaki) Tokkuriji_Muchisuke Benietsu_(Shoujo_Tsubaki) Muchisute_(Shoujo_Tsubaki) Kanabun_(Shoujo_Tsubaki) Other Supporting: Inagaki_Hiroshi Other Wiki Information Last updated: 09/06/19 3:33 AM by jojosstand This entry is not locked and you can edit it as you see fit. |
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