Erika Sawajiri plays Kimiko, the main character of the story who has died. Although the title implies that it is a story of a “wicked woman,” the original novel was divided into 27 chapters, one for each “testimony” by someone who knew Kimiko at some point in her life, providing a range of perspectives on what kind of person Kimiko was. ~~ Adapted from 1978 novel series "Akujou ni Tsuite" by Ariyoshi Sawako.
Acting
Sawajiri shape-shifts through 27 different Kimikos without changing costumes
Direction
Tsuruhashi frames each testimony like a separate short film
Director
Yasuo Tsuruhashi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ariyoshi Sawako's 1978 novel was controversial for depicting a woman who weaponized the 'akujo' label society gave her. The TV movie adaptation coincided with Japan's 2012 debates on female economic independence.
Erika Sawajiri reportedly requested to read all 27 original testimonies before filming, but was forbidden by the director — he wanted her 'uncontaminated' by source material, mirroring how Kimiko herself was unknowable.
JP
