The Dragon Painter (1919) User Reviews

Poetic, lyrical Japanese fantasy with Sessue Hayakawa as a mad painter...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 3 June 2008]

This is a lyrical, visually arresting Japanese fairy-tale about a mad artist who is under the impression that the princess of his dreams lurks in an enchanted lake which has turned her into a dragon. SESSUE HAYAKAWA is the intense young man who becomes the protégé of a painter who is looking for new talent. When the man threatens to walk away, the painter reveals that he has a daughter whom he passes off as the princess the painter is looking for.

The trick works and before you know it, the two young people fall in love. But the art of painting eludes him once he has found his lost princess and therein lies the crux of the plot. How will he get it back unless she gives up her life so that her loss will be his gain?

It's an intriguing premise and it's artfully crafted from the very opening scene with outdoor backgrounds photographed in Yosemite to give an authentic feel to the settings. The print shown on TCM is in fairly good condition considering the age and the tinted effects for moonlight give it a haunting spell.

SESSUE HAYAKAWA makes a convincing mad genius and TSURU AOKI is fine as the princess of his dreams, in real life, his wife.

Summing up: For silent film fans, well worth watching with an appropriate background score and acting that is more natural than the usual silent screen technique you might expect. The photography throughout is on the artistic side.

Painterly Film

[Cineanalyst · 8/10 · 17 October 2009]

"The Dragon Painter" is an interesting silent film; it's about a painter, his art and, of course for the drama, his love story, which I've found to be a promising setup in various films. Among other silent films, Carl Dreyer's "Michael" (1924) and some of the films by Yevgeni Bauer, mostly "The Dying Swan" (1917), come to mind as other worthwhile explorations of these themes. In being art about art, it naturally lends itself to self-reflexivity. In "The Dragon Painter", we don't actually get to see much of the artist's paintings--besides a couple sketches he tosses over a waterfall and a painting at the exhibition--but that's probably for the best, rather than having imitations shown off instead of art. The art in this film is in the photography of landscapes and nature (waterfalls, horizons overlooking canyons, lush gardens and such), which is pictorially beautiful (inexplicably, this film's cinematographer Frank D. Williams learned his craft at Keystone of all places). For one scene, however, a moonlit sky is actually a painted backdrop, which I think nicely reinforces the narrative's self-reflexivity.

In addition to the art about art, Sessue Hayakawa gives an outstanding performance as the painter. I haven't seen him so lively before, although I've only been privileged to see a couple others of his silent films thus far and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957). He was great in "The Cheat" (1915), but he displayed a different sort of acting, characterization there. Hayakawa in "The Dragon Painter" seems closer to Toshirô Mifune, of Akira Kurosawa's films, than to the Hayakawa of "The Cheat" or "The Bridge on the River Kwai". It's appropriate and displays his versatility well. Sessue's real-life wife, Tsuru Aoki, who steals the other film, "The Wrath of the Gods" (1914) available on the same DVD away from him, is also good. Her role in this one could've been rather thankless, but she makes the most of it. On the other hand, this isn't a perfect gem; too many intertitles and some overly quick shot successions seem to be it's most significant weaknesses. Regardless, I'd recommend this for being one of the better films of its time--or, rather, for being a good movie.

Sessue Hayakawa as the madman predecessor of Toshiro Mifune

[babymansharku · 7/10 · 27 May 2018]

The film produced by Hayakawa's own production company Hayworth indeed has a different "look" from the contemporaneous Orientalist productions of Hollywood. Although it does fulfill the almost obligatory casting of Caucasian actors playing yellowface, Edward Peil Sr.'s Japanese art master Kano Indara doesn't seem at all attempt to be "authentic" oriental, not to mention to compete with his Japanese/Asian co-actors as one would find with Warner Oland in films such as The Daughter of Dragon and Shanghai Express. Sessue Hayakawa and Tsuru Aoki are without the doubt the focus of this film. The scenic design also avoids the extravagant Orientalist/art deco ornaments popular at that time, opting for a simple interior design, while lavishing on the natural landscapes framed as quintessential Japanese (despite the fact that they were shot in California). Moreover, the Japaneseness of this film has something to do with the occasional violation of the classical Hollywood editing rules; for instance, the eye-line match in the scene in which the surveyor finds out the talent of the dragon painter by the waterfall is completely off, creating a sense of spatial disorientation that predates Ozu.

As a sidenote, Hayakawa's madman also foresees the famous acting of Toshiro Mifune.

Hayakawa's Studio's Earliest Surviving Movie

[springfieldrental · 7/10 · 27 September 2021]

Actor Sessue Hayakawa, after his role in 1915's "The Cheat," became extremely upset how Hollywood was portraying Asians in unflattering steorotypical images. Securing start-up funding, the Japanese-born Hayakawa set out to establish the first Asian-owned film production company in the United States, Haworth Pictures Corporation. Its owners set out to portray Asians in their own environment, interacting in their own customs and traditions, a much more realistic portrayal of the millions of people an ocean away from North America than they were being seen on the screen.

The earliest surviving film of Haworth Pictures Corp. Is September 1919's "The Dragon Painter." Adapted from a 1906 novel of the same name, the studio's ninth movie depicted a mad, solitary artist (Hayakawa) who believed his wife of 1,000 years ago was a dragon hidden in the wilds of Japan (the stunning mountains were filmed in Yosemite National Park). A few of his paintings end up in the hands of a famous aging painter who is seeking a protege to take over his mantle once he dies. Trouble is, the nutty painter draws inspiration on his late imaginary 1,000 year-old wife. The master artist sets up his daughter to transform into that dragon wife to encourage him to remain in his household. When the young painter falls in love with the daughter (played by Hayakawa's actual wife, Tsuru Aoki), he loses all inspiration in painting, causing a dilemma in the master's plans.

In its three years of existence, Haworth Pictures was a reasonable success, producing 23 movies and making enough money for Hayakawa to pay off the initial one million dollar loan as well as enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, complete with a gold-plated Pierce-Arrow car. Anticipating Prohibition in 1920, the actor purchased an enormous amount of liquor, allowing him to hold elaborate parties fortified with plenty of booze when a legal drop of alcohol couldn't be bought anywhere.

Lovely silent

[gbill-74877 · 7/10 · 18 May 2020]

Seeing a young Sessue Hayakawa (well, actually 33 years old) is the highlight of this film, as he really inhabits the character of this youthful and uncouth artist, and has striking good looks besides. He's paired with his real-life wife (Tsuru Aoki), the film was produced by the company he co-founded with director William Worthington, and a part of his aim was to break down racial stereotypes, so there is something personal and intimate about seeing it over a century later. The film touches on the interesting idea that an artist must be longing for something in order to feel inspiration, and if his desires are fulfilled it may kill the creative process, but it was a little simple and drawn out, even in the 53 minute run time. You can read what happens as a ruse or as a magical bit of mythology, but I favor the latter interpretation, as that bookends the "enchanted princess whom the spirits took from him" from the beginning rather nicely. As a little extra bonus, you may recognize Yosemite Valley substituting for a mountainous region of Japan, and the film has some pretty good cinematography in it as well. Overall the film isn't outstanding but it has a certain loveliness to it, and it's worth checking out.

An artist obsessed with finding his princess...

[sweetiedarling · 9/10 · 1 September 2002]

A mentally disturbed artist (Sessue Hayakawa), from the mountains of Japan, is convinced that his fiancee, a beautiful princess, has been captured and turned into a dragon. His obsession with his fictitious loss, leads to his artistic inspiration.

It isn't until a young surveyor, (Toyo Fujita) comes across some of Tatsu's artwork, that his genius is discovered. The surveyor then informs the famous artist, Kano Indara about his discovery, who immediately agrees to meet Tatsu.

Indara, his daughter Ume-Ko, and Undobuchida soon realise that they cannot persuade Tetsu to come down from the mountains to further his talent as an artist, without a ploy.

Ume-Ko consequently dresses up as a Princess, and the promise of Tatsu being re-united with his long lost love, lures him into Kano Indara's house. Of course, the family realises that Tatsu has a lot of uncivilized and crazy habits which he needs to get rid of, if he is going to fit into civilized Japanese society.

Overall, the movie is a very sweet and interesting piece. There is great use of color-tinting throughout the film, which perfectly reflects the mood and theme. Hayakawa does an awesome job at playing a madman- a good combination of dramatic and comical acting.

Although it is not the best silent movie I've ever seen, it is definitely worth watching. It's a lovely little fairy tale which puts a smile on your face!

Sessue Hayakawa's Broken Blossoms

[wes-connors · 4/10 · 23 May 2009]

In the mountains of Japan, forlorn young artist Sessue Hayakawa (as Tatsu aka "The Dragon Painter") paints magnificent landscapes. He prays "Divinity" will restore his fiancée, whom he believes was changed into a dragon, 1,000 years ago. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, an forlorn older painter, Edward Peil (as Kano Indara) laments not having a son to carry on his family line of artists. When Mr. Peil sees Mr. Hayakawa's paintings, he sees a painter worthy to become his "son and disciple." Hayakawa also falls in love with Peil's daughter Tsuru Aoki (Ume-Ko), believing she's the reincarnation of his long lost princess. But, with his love fulfilled, Hayakawa loses his ability to paint…

An introduction notes, "'The Dragon Painter' was originally released in 1919 by the Haworth Pictures, a Hollywood-based production company formed the previous year by Sessue Hayakawa, a Japanese-born actor who enjoyed great popularity in the silent period. The film was ninth of twenty-two features produced by Haworth, each of which was tailored to Hayakawa's talents and to his stock company of Japanese actors." Fortunately, a print of this film was found, in France, and restored.

The description, "The Dragon Painter is a fantasy-allegory of love and creative inspiration that is lost when longing is fulfilled," is accurate. "With its production, Hayakawa intended to provide a different view of Japanese culture to American audiences, avoiding the stereotyping, violence, and melodramatic conflict expected in 'Oriental' films of the period." Hayakawa was successful in that part of his goal; although, this film probably did not and will not appeal to most viewers, and is not the best example of its intent.

**** The Dragon Painter (9/28/19) William Worthington ~ Sessue Hayakawa, Edward Peil, Tsuru Aoki

Deserves to be seen

[osolis · 4 April 2008]

I had never heard of The Dragon Painter and decided to watch it. I'm glad I did. It is a beautiful film, almost devoid of the clichés of silent-era acting (broad mannerisms, excessive mugging, etc) that make many silent films so comical to audiences today.

The lead actor is Sessue Hayakawa, who many film fans may remember as the Pirate Captain in the Disney version of Swiss Family Robinson or from Bridge on the River Kwai. Here he delivers a great performance as a "mad" artist that is at times comical and tragic.

The cinematography and art direction are wonderful, as is the soundtrack.

If I have one complaint it is that the inter-titles play too long on the screen. But this is a minor quibble.

A simple tale of madness, loss, redemption and ultimately love, I can't recommend this film highly enough.

An Impressive Silent Film

[crossbow0106 · 9/10 · 13 June 2008]

A silent film from 1919, this is a story about Tatsu, the Dragon Painter, played by Sessue Hayakawa, who was quite a big star in American silent film ( he won an Oscar for his work decades later in "Bridge Over The River Kwai"). He is seeking an enchanted princess whom the gods took from him. He paints pictures of dragons because of this. An older artist named Indara, seeking to find an heir to his artistry, hears about Tatsu and summons him. He realizes Tatsu is the real thing and lures him by using his daughter Ume-Ko (played by Hayakawa's real life wife, Tsuru Aoki)to act as the princess Tatsu seeks. This film is great. It is a simple story told perfectly, in less than an hour. It was part of a TCM network retrospective on Asian images in cinema. The film is beautifully restored and even has great music, played on instruments from Japan. This is a silent film that you should enjoy, it tells the tale wonderfully. I recommend it.

A fantasy tale told in the heart of feudal Japan

[pursnickety · 8/10 · 13 January 2010]

A truly beautiful silent film....Hayakawa is quite extraordinary as madman who believes his wife was stolen by a dragon and that fuels his art.

The standout in this film is the cinematography and art direction although the film was mostly shot in Yosemite Valley California it is completely convincing as Feudal Japan.

This is also 1 of the 1st films for the Hayworth production company which name is a combination of Hayakawa and the director he partnered with William Worthington that sort of thing became more & more common after the Hayworth company started doing well.

Such a unique looking silent film such a beauty to watch

Great

[Michael_Elliott · 16 June 2008]

Dragon Painter, The (1919)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

At times haunting, at times romantic, this once thought lost silent film turned out to be one of the crowning gems of its era. The film tells the story of Tatsu (Sessue Hayakawa), a madman who has become known as The Dragon Painter. Tatsu believes that a thousand years earlier his one and only love had her spirit taken away by a dragon so all he paints in dragons hoping that one day she will return to him. A master painter (Edward Peil, Sr.) living in Tokyo soon learns of Tatsu's great paintings and brings him in telling Tatsu that he knows where the spirit of his love is. The painter offers up his daughter (Toyo Fujita) in return that Tatsu make great paintings but after Tatsu gets his love back he doesn't feel the need to paint anymore. This film was thought lost for decades until a print turned up in 1977 and thankfully one did because this is a rare case where a lost film turns out to be well worth being found. The movie runs just over 50-minutes and it contains some very strong scenes as well as some great performances. The film was done by Hayakawa's own studio so needless to say the budget isn't the biggest but this works well for the film as it creates a tight and unique atmosphere and really captures the culture of Japan. The set design is also very well done and the new music score serves the film very well. For those of you who only know Hayakawa from his role in The Bridge on the River Kwai then you should certainly seek this film out. The Japanese born actor gives a very strong performance here and his scenes as the madman are right on the mark as are the scenes with him stricken with grief. Peil and Fujita also deliver fine performances. It's also nice seeing a film from this period that show a foreign man doing something other than being a gangster or villain.

I was already hooked after eleven minutes in

[jordondave-28085 · 8/10 · 18 May 2023]

(1919) Dragon Painter SILENT PERIOD ROMANCE DRAMA

Adapted from the novel by Mary McNeil Fenollosa, a film that's slightly more than 1 hour long, I was completely hooked after 11 minutes into it, which the story centers on a love -sick painter, Tatsu (Sessue Hayakawa) who paints because he believes that the love of his life has turned into a dragon-hence the title "Dragon Painter". And he waits for her whenever he is sitting on top of hills and ledges, and paints. Meanwhile, back in Tokyo a well renown artist, Kano Indara (Edward Peil Sr) is seeking for someone who can paint that is equal to his own, since he wants to retire as he acknowledges that he's older, seeking for someone to continue on his legacy. The two men are eventually going to meet.