The Most Beautiful

(1944)Directed by Akira Kurosawa85 minDrama, War

Young women at a precision optics factory in wartime Japan push to exceed production quotas, enduring illness, injury, and personal hardship to “serve the country.” Led by Tsuru Watanabe, they fight fatigue and setbacks to keep their line moving—even when duty collides with grief.

Takashi Shimuraas Chief Goro Ishida
Shōji Kiyokawaas Soichi Yoshikawa, Chief of General Affairs Section
Ichirō Sugaias Ken Shinda, Chief of Labor Section
Takako Irieas Noriko Mizushima, dorm mother
Yôko Yaguchias Tsuru Watanabe, president of women workers
STSayuri Tanimaas Yuriko Tanimura, vice president of women workers
Sachiko Ozakias Sachiko Yamazaki
Shizuko Nishigakias Fusae Nishioka
Asako Suzukias Asako Suzumura
HTHaruko Toyamaas Masako Koyama
Aiko Masuas Tokiko Hiroda
Kazuko Hitomias Kazuko Futomi
Shizuko Yamadaas Hisae Yamaguchi
Itoko Konoas Sue Okabe
Emiko Reias Chie Shima (uncredited)
Haruko Miias Haruko Kawai (uncredited)
Minori Toyoharaas Minori Yoyota (uncredited)
Eiko Hirayamaas Yoshiko Shirayama (uncredited)
Harue Yamashitaas Kiyo Mishima (uncredited)
Mineko Mashiroas Mineko Bando (uncredited)
Isuzu Miyakawaas Shizue Miyazaki (uncredited)
Michiko Oikawaas Michiko Ayukawa (uncredited)
Teruko Katoas Teruko Sato (uncredited)
Akitake Kōnoas Fire and drum band instructor (uncredited)