The story of Kiyoko, a young woman who has successfully managed to make a break with her dysfunctional family who have been trying to arrange a marriage for her with a disagreeable man whom she has rejected.
Acting
Hideko Takamine's restrained desperation — a masterclass in saying nothing.
Direction
Naruse's lateral tracking shots as emotional prison bars.
Writing
Every sister gets a distinct voice; no villain, only systems.
Director
Mikio Naruse
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Naruse adapted this from a Fumiko Hayashi novel and immediately cast Takamine, beginning their legendary 17-film collaboration.
JP
