The first story starts very slowly. Almost nothing happens in the first five minutes. But stick with it. After this initial lull, the proceedings slowly but inexorably draw you in and they don't let go.
This is a movie that really stays with you after the finish. At just over two hours, with three entirely unrelated stories, it felt too short, and I would have been happy to watch at least one more hour. And I'm at somewhat of a loss to explain just what is so good about it.
Higuchi Ichiyo is one of Japan's foremost writers, and these three stories cover her main theme of the suffering of ordinary women. Certainly the writing and scripting are faultless. The feelings of the women in these stories have their feelings and actions explained simply and clearly, yet with great depth and complexity. And although tending to feverish melodrama at times, the actresses give top-notch performances, while the actors mostly play with admirable restraint and refinement.
Much of the action occurs at night, and the stark black-and-white cinematography underlines whatever emotion and feeling is appropriate for each scene.
Despite the apparent slowness and even naiveté of some sections, there are surprises in store as well. Overall, memorable and highly recommended.
This is a movie that really stays with you after the finish. At just over two hours, with three entirely unrelated stories, it felt too short, and I would have been happy to watch at least one more hour. And I'm at somewhat of a loss to explain just what is so good about it.
Higuchi Ichiyo is one of Japan's foremost writers, and these three stories cover her main theme of the suffering of ordinary women. Certainly the writing and scripting are faultless. The feelings of the women in these stories have their feelings and actions explained simply and clearly, yet with great depth and complexity. And although tending to feverish melodrama at times, the actresses give top-notch performances, while the actors mostly play with admirable restraint and refinement.
Much of the action occurs at night, and the stark black-and-white cinematography underlines whatever emotion and feeling is appropriate for each scene.
Despite the apparent slowness and even naiveté of some sections, there are surprises in store as well. Overall, memorable and highly recommended.