FM-S005-1936

Gion No Shimai / Sisters of the Gion

Video

VHS

F&MS

No

Available

Widely regarded as Kenji Mizoguchi`s (Sansho the Bailiff, Ugetsu) best pre-war film, Sisters of the Gion marks the beginning of the acclaimed director`s mature style. Filled with compositions as exquisite as they are realistic, the story of two geisha sisters illuminates the plight of women in Japan. The elder sister, Umekichi, is conservative, traditional, and dependent on her patrons. Omocha, the modern younger sister, exploits her customers as much as she can. Written by Mizoguchi and his longtime collaborator Yoshikata Yoda (Life of Oharu), the story makes it clear that the sisters` attitudes have no real impact on their circumstances. In the end, both women remain trapped in a cruel existence. Made as a follow-up to Osaka Elegy, Sisters of the Gion benefits from the same talented crew and cast, including the magnificent Isuzu Yamada (Throne of Blood) as Omocha. Notes: This film belongs to the Film and Media Studies department. Director: Kenji Mizoguchi. Actors: Isuzu Yamada, Yoko, Umemura, Benkei Shiganoya, Eitaro Shindo . Black and White. Country: Japan. Subtitled.