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"The spiritually complete Life of Oharu represents the Holy Grail of Japanese cinema." - Ed Gonzalez

#260

In the hands of another director, this could have been a tiring misery fest whose episodic nature would start to become unnecessary, but for its bleakness Mizoguchi brings a kind humanity to the depiction of a woman's plight where there is still a tiny piece of optimism even in the worst situations possible. Kinuyo Tanaka as the titular character kept me compelled while the historical production design and cinematography were applaudable.

It's a very bleak story, but so is the experience of watching it.

A beautiful picture about the struggles of being a woman in feudal Japan. The story is compelling, thanks in large part to an excellent performanceby Tanaka.

# 248

A middle-aged woman reflects on her life. As a victim of caste rules, hypocrites, thieves, rapists, murderers and jealous wives, it's not a happy reverie. The film is relentlessly bleak as Mizoguchi explores one of his favorite topics: the suffering of women. A fine lead performance by Kinuyo Tanaka and some marvelous tracking shots are the highlights.

Another Mizoguchi film, another examination of the suffocating nature of feudal Japanese society, right? Well... yes, but that's not a bad thing. Mizoguchi deftly tackles issues like honor and the looming shadow of a family's ancestors. The only notable qualms I have with the film are that it perhaps felt a bit too episodic, and that no other characters than Oharu were fleshed out as much as they could've been. But what the hey, this is yet another excellent Mizoguchi film.

Istanbul Film Festivali, Atlas, 8 Nisan 2008

A reverie of a middle-aged woman's struggles in a suffocating and feudal Japan. Every attribute and rectitude of Mizoguchi's strategy is upgraded a notch in ethicalness and esteemed virtuousness. You can't turn your back on this.

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