Oyû-sama

# 694

Simple but effective drama about the impact of rigid social constraints on love and happiness. This is familiar territory for Mizoguchi, and the theme of self sacrifice leading to tragic consequences was handled more effectively in his more acclaimed works, especially from the same period. Nonetheless, it is well acted and realised with care and sensitivity, despite the occasional lapse into melodramatic cliche that could have been potentially ruinous in the hands of a lesser director.

For those in love with old-style Japanese (wooden) architecture this is simply grand 10/10 for that and cinematography (looks like it's set in the Heian period rather than 1950, simply stunning). A very mannered romance where rigid social rules destroy 3 people, a bit hard to take in 2023 but still rivetting. The younger sister, to my eyes, is gorgeous, tho far fetched can still grab your emotions.

A weak melodrama in which no characters are particularly well drawn but the male protagonist is barely there at all. A train does appear, but it is necessary to wait through most of the film in order to see it: debatable whether it's worth it for those who are not true trainspotting-in-Japanese-movies enthusiasts, or even for those who are, although it is kind of an amusing one.

Star Rating: ★★★1/2

Oyu is a widow married into a wealthy family, unable to remarry due to a family obligation. She takes her younger sister, Shizu, to marry a young suiter, Shinnosuke. Instantly, Shinnosuke and Oyu fall in love, leaving Shizu to be a third wheel. Shizu knows that they are in love, but still marries Shinnosuke, knowing it will let Shin and Oyu see eachother. This story of societal strain and family loyalty may leave you sick. It is brilliantly told by Mizoguchi but very hard to watch unfold.

The film has the usual stunning cinematography with graceful tracking moves and elegant framing. The story is engaging, easy to follow and doesn't drag. It's an all-around good movie. But as I've said before, lately I'm getting bored with Mizoguchi. It gets tiresome to watch people hang their heads and bemoan their situations all the time. I get that the point is they're being repressed by archaic social expectations, but it'd be nice to see a little more resistance. Everyone is so damn passive.

Senhorita Oyu estreava há 70 anos no Japão. Eu estava há muito tempo sem me embrenhar nos planos perfeitos do Mizoguchi e sofrendo de abstinência. levei um susto que esse filme era baseado n'O cortador de Juncos do Tanizaki, não sabia previamente disso e foi uma surpresa. Box Versátil O Cinema de Kenji Mizoguchi Volume 1.

Kinuyo Tanaka is great as Miss Oyu, but I think I needed something more from the others to feel all the emotions flowing around in this triangle affair.

Some nice moments, but the overly melodramatic plot was not for me.