Shōtaro Hanayagi, Kōkichi Takada, Kawanami Ryōtarō, Takamatsu Kin'nosuke, Hayama Jun'nosuke, Onoue Tamitaro, Gonjūro Kawarazaki, Kakuko Mori, Hanayagi Yoshiaki, Arashi Tokusaburō, Umemura Yōko. Title from title frame. Based on the novel by Shofu Muramatsu. Originally released as a motion picture in 1939. Aspect ratio 1.37:1. Special features: New, restored 4K ; new interview with critic Phillip Lopate about the evolution of director Kenji Mizoguchi's style.
Summary:
This heartrending masterpiece by Kenji Mizoguchi about the give-and-take between life and art marked the director's first use of the hypnotic long takes and eloquent camera movements that would come to define his films. The adopted son of legendary kabuki actor Kikunosuke, who is striving to achieve stardom by mastering female roles, turns to his infant brother's wet nurse for support and affection, and she soon gives up everything for her beloved's creative glory.
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