Kiyoha rises from the lowly courtesan ranks to the high class position of Oiran in the steamy red-light district of Yoshiwara. She is determined to stand on her own two feet and live life as she pleased.
Cinematography
Ninagawa's saturated color palettes redefine period drama visuals.
Costume
Twelve-inch platform sandals and kimonos that weigh forty pounds.
Acting
Anna Tsuchiya's defiant smolder carries every frame.
Director
Mika Ninagawa
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Mika Ninagawa was primarily a fashion photographer; this was her feature debut and she shot it like a 111-minute editorial spread.
The oiran's elaborate 'oiran dochu' procession—shown in the film's climax—was historically designed to display wealth and unattainability, not seduction; they were technically forbidden from selling actual sex freely.
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