"Director: Kenji Mizoguchi"

• Sansho The Bailiff (1954) | Blu Ray | (27/01/2020) from £32.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  When an idealistic governor disobeys the reigning feudal lord, he is cast into exile, his wife and children left to fend for themselves and eventually separated by vicious slave traders. Under the dazzling direction of KENJI MIZOGUCHI (Ugetsu), this classic Japanese story became one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, a monumental, empathetic expression of human resilience in the face of evil. Blu-Ray Special Edition Features Restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack Audio commentary by Japanese-literature professor Jeffrey Angles Video interviews with critic Tadao Sato, assistant director Tokuzo Tanaka, and legendary actress Kyoko Kagawa, on the making of the film and its lasting importance PLUS: A book featuring an essay by film writer Mark Le Fanu and two versions of the story on which the film was based: Ogai Mori's 1915 Sansho Dayu and a written form of an earlier oral variation

• THE LIFE OF OHARU | Blu Ray | (17/04/2017) from £21.65   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A LONG UNAVAILABLE MASTERPIECE OF JAPANESE CINEMA, IN A NEW RESTORATION A peerless chronicler of the soul who specialized in supremely emotional, visually exquisite films about the circumstances of women in Japanese society throughout its history, KENJI MIZOGUCHI (Ugetsu) had already been directing movies for decades when he made The Life of Oharu in 1952. But this epic portrait of an inexorable fall from grace, starring the incredibly talented KINUYO TANAKA (The Ballad of Narayama) as an imperial lady-in-waiting who gradually descends to street prostitution, was the movie that gained its Director international attention, ushering in a new golden period for him. SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES: New high-definition digital film restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack Introductory commentary by scholar Dudley Andrew Mizoguchi's Art and the Demimonde, an illustrated audio essay featuring Andrew Kinuyo Tanaka's New Departure, a 2009 film by Koko Kajiyama documenting the actor's 1949 goodwill tour of the United States New English subtitle translation PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Gilberto Perez

• Ugetsu (1953) | Blu Ray | (04/03/2019) from £32.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Kenji Mizoguchi's tragic ghost story, one of the indisputable classics of world cinema. Having refined his craft in the silent era, Kenji Mizoguchi (Sansho the Bailiff) was an elder statesman of Japanese cinemafiercely revered by Akira Kurosawa and other younger directors by the time he made Ugetsu. And with this exquisite ghost story, a fatalistic wartime tragedy derived from stories by Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant, he created a touchstone of his art, his long takes and sweeping camera guiding the viewer through a delirious narrative about two villagers whose pursuit of fame and fortune leads them far astray from their loyal wives. Moving between the terrestrial and the otherworldly, Ugetsu reveals essential truths about the ravages of war, the plight of women, and the pride of men. Features: New 4K digital restoration undertaken by The Film Foundation, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack Audio commentary by filmmaker, critic, and festival programmer Tony Rayns Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director (1975), a 150minute documentary by Kaneto Shindo Two Worlds Intertwined, a 2005 appreciation of Ugetsu by filmmaker Masahiro Shinoda Process and Production, a 2005 interview with Tokuzo Tanaka, first assistant director on Ugetsu Interview from 1992 with cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa Trailers An essay by film critic Phillip Lopate and three short stories that influenced Mizoguchi in making the film

• The Mizoguchi Collection | Blu Ray | (12/03/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Four films from the celebrated Japanese director.Osaka Elegy: (1936) relates the story of a young woman, Ayako Murai (Isuzu Yamada), who engages in a series of affairs to raise money for her family. Initially, she embarks on a relationship with her boss to obtain the money to stop her father going to prison for embezzlement. However, when she begins a second relationship with a work colleague to try and earn money for her brother and boyfriend, Ayako is in danger of going too far and getting herself in trouble.The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum: (1939) follows Kikunsoke Onoue (Shtar Hanayagi), a young actor who is shocked to discover that people have only been patronising him by saying that he is talented. The only person who seems willing to tell him the truth about his acting to his face is Otoku (Kakuko Mori), a servant his family fire and ban him from seeing due to fear of the scandal a relationship between the pair would cause. Kikunsoke and Otoku leave together and Kikunsoke vows to win back his family's affection by becoming a renowned actor. Sisters of the Gion: (1936) focuses on two geisha sisters who have differing attitudes to men. Umekichi (Yko Umemura) believes so strongly in loyalty that she wants to help her lover, Furusawa (Benkei Shiganoya), when he is abandoned by his wife. In contrast, her sister, Omocha (Isuzu Yamada), thinks that the pair should be seeking out wealthy patrons rather than supporting others and attempts to manoeuvre Umekichi away from Furusawa. Utamaro and His Five Women: (1946) offers a semi-autobiographical portrait of the Japanese artist, Kitagawa Utamaro. Utamaro (Minosuke Band), renowned for his portraits of women, finds many of his subjects in Tokyo's brothels. However, will his philandering ways lead him into trouble?

• The Mizoguhi Collection | DVD | (12/03/2012) from £34.58   |  Saving you £-3.33 (N/A%)   |  RRP £29.99

  Available on DVD in the UK for the very first time. Titles Comprise: Osaka Elegy: Ayako agrees to enter into an affair with her married boss after he promises to support her and her father. The Story Of The Last Crysanthemum: A young actor is forced to deal with his family after he becomes shunned by them over his new relationship. Sisters Of The Gion: Two giesha sisters disagree over how to deal with the men controlling their lives and livelihoods. Utamaro And His Five Women: A great artist lives to create portraits of beautiful women. A world of passion swirls around him and the women all vie for his attention.

• Late Mizoguchi LTD EDITION BLU-RAY BOX SET (Masters of Cinema) (BLU-RAY) | Blu Ray | (28/10/2013) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £58.99

  Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of The Rain And Moon) (Aka: Ugetsu)Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari is a highly acclaimed masterwork of Japanese cinema. Based on a pair of 18th century ghost stories by Ueda Akinari the film's release continued Mizoguchi's introduction to the West where it was nominated for an Oscar and won the Venice Film Festival's Silver Lion award (for Best Direction). In 16th century Japan amidst the pandemonium of civil war potter Genjuro (Mori Masayuki) and samurai-aspirant Tobei (Ozawa Sakae) set out with their wives in search of wealth and military glory respectively. Two parallel tales ensue when the men are lured from their wives: Genjuro by the ghostly charm of Lady Wakasa (Kyo Machiko); Tobei by the dream of military glory. Oyu Sama (Lady Oyu) (Aka: Miss Oyu)Mizoguchi's Oyu-sama (Miss Oyu) is a poignant and contemplative tale of two sisters and their ill-fated relationship with the same man. At the core is Mizoguchi-regular Tanaka Kinuyo (who also stars in Ugetsu Monogatari) as the eponymous Oyu the older sister who allows marital customs to dictate the lives of those caught up in this complex love triangle. Continuing the director's fascination with the relationship between affairs of the heart and the social mores that shape and sometimes destroy them Mizoguchi transforms his subject matter into the realm of the transcendental through the use of long mobile shots - an approach that reaches its apotheosis in a take of almost six minutes - infused with humanity and emotion. Sansho Dayu (Sansho the Steward) (Aka: Sansho The Bailiff)Based on an ancient legend as recounted by celebrated author Mori Ogai (in his short story of the same name written in 1915) and adapted by Mizoguchi Sansho Dayu (Sansho the Steward aka Sansho the Bailiff) is both distinctively Japanese and as deeply affecting as a Greek tragedy. Described in its opening title as one of the oldest and most tragic in Japan's history Mizoguchi depicts an unforgettably sad story of social injustice family love and personal sacrifice - all conveyed with exquisite tone and purity of emotion. Set in Heian era (11th century) Japan it follows an aristocratic woman Tamaki (played by Tanaka Kinuyo who also stars in Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari) and her two children Zushio (Hanayagi Yoshiaki) and Anju (Kagawa Kyoko) who are separated by feudal tyranny from Tamaki's husband. When the children are kidnapped and sold into slavery to the eponymous Sansho (Shindo Eitaro) the lives of each of the family members follow very different paths - each course uniquely and insufferably tragic. Gion Bayashi (Gion Festival Music) (Aka: A Geisha)Gion Bayashi is a drama set in the world of the courtesan contrasting two different types of geisha - on one hand Eiko (Wakao Ayako) a sixteen-year old orphan who wishes to be taken in and trained; on the other Miyoharu (Kogure Michiyo) an older more experienced geisha who agrees to mentor the younger woman - living under the same roof in difficult personal circumstances. A fascinating subtle insight into the lives of these women in 1950s Japan. Chikamatsu Monogatari (A Tale from Chikamatsu) (Aka: The Crucified Lovers)Based on a centuries old tale with roots in real events Chikamatsu monogatari (A Tale From Chikamatsu aka The Crucified Lovers) tells the hauntingly tragic story of a forbidden love affair between a merchant's wife Osan (Kyoko Kagawa) and her husband's employee Mohei (Kazuo Hasegawa) in an era when the punishment for adultery was crucifixion. When a series of innocent events lead to the false accusation of an affair the pair are forced to flee an almost certain death sentence. On the run the outlaw couple grow closer together drawn inexorably towards the romantic crime of which they are accused. In the hands of Mizoguchi Chikamatsu Mmnogatari depicts two people caught up in a constricted world where true love and social obligation are at odds. His portrayal of the lovers' dilemma lead famed director Akira Kurosawa to describe the film as 'a great masterpiece that could only have been made by Mizoguchi.' Uwasa No Onna (The Woman in The Rumour)Released the same year as Chikamatsu monogatari Uwasa no onna (The Woman in the Rumour) offers a contrasting portrait of attitudes and mores concerning love and relationships. Set in a modern Kyoto geisha house the eponymous woman in the rumour is Hatsuko (Kinuyo Tanaka star of countless Mizoguchi films including The Life of Oharu in her last role for the director with whom she was often romantically linked) madame of her own geisha house. When Hatsuko ends up pursuing the same man as her daughter Yukiko (Yoshiko Kuga) both women are forced to confront their attitudes towards each other and the family business. Akasen Chitai (Red-Light District) (Aka: Street of Shame)Akasen chitai (Red Light District aka Street of Shame) - sadly the very last film by Kenji Mizoguchi - presents a vivid portrait of prostitution in 1950s Japan. In a Tokyo brothel named Dreamland - an obvious irony given the faded hopes of those who work there - the lives of five prostitutes intersect. Each has a very different story for how they entered the profession but what they share is the struggle to make sense of the red light district and its cycle of exploitation. Filmed shortly before the Japanese government's introduction of an anti-prostitution bill Akasen chitai is a compelling study of women torn between financial necessity and questions of conscience. It was nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and inspired French critic Jean Douchet to proclaim: 'For me along with Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux and Renoir's La Règle du jeu the greatest film in the history of cinema'. Yôkihi (Imperial Concubine Yang) (aka: The Princess Yang Kwei-Fei) Set many centuries ago Yôkihi (Imperial Concubine Yang aka The Princess Yang Kwei-fei) recounts the Chinese legend referred to in its title. In eighth-century T'ang China widowed Emperor Hsüan-tsung (Masayuki Mori) reigns alone devoting his life to the composition of music. When he meets and falls in love with a beautiful young woman (Machiko Kyô) who will become his imperial concubine a tale of political intrigue and rival dynasties is set in motion with ultimately tragic consequences.Sumptuously filmed in vibrant colour Yôkihi is the most ancient of Mizoguchi's costume dramas yet its central themes of passion sorrow and the conflict between love and power remain timeless - it was also nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice. Special Features: High-definition 1080p transfers of all eight films Optional English subtitles Tony Rayns video discussions on each of the eight films Original trailers Approximately 200 illustrated pages of booklet material compiled together The first time Chikamatsu monogatari Uwasa no onna Akasen chitai and Yôkihi have appeared on Blu-ray anywhere in the world Limited edition run of only 2000 copies

• The Life Of Oharu | DVD | (26/04/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Mizoguchi reckoned The Life of Oharu was his masterpiece, and who are we to disagree? Certainly it's among his most perfectly structured films, in which anger at the treatment of women in Japanese society is balanced by the director's flawless sense of period, and by expert pacing and visual composition. The story is set in the 17th century, when Japan had settled into a rigidly hierarchical society. Kinuyo Tanaka, in perhaps the finest role of her career, plays Oharu, a highborn woman of the Imperial court. Disgraced when she falls in love with a man of a lower class (Toshiro Mifune, in his only film for Mizoguchi), she's made the mistress of a feudal lord. After bearing him a son she's cast out, and gradually sinks into prostitution and penury. The inevitability of Oharu's fate is tempered by her resilience of spirit--and by the compassion of Mizoguchi's gaze. Although the story is set in the past, he fully intends parallels with modern-day Japan; just after completing the film, he told an interviewer, "Comparing today with [earlier] periods, I don't find much difference: women have always been treated like slaves." The Life of Oharu was shown at the 1952 Venice Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Lion. It brought Mizoguchi a belated international fame just four years before his death, and initiated the run of late masterpieces that rounded off his career. --Philip Kemp

• Late Mizoguchi - Eight Films 1951-1956 | DVD | (24/01/2011) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Kenji Mizoguchi looms over the history not only of Japanese cinema - but of world cinema altogether. These eight films from the last decade of Mizoguchi's career represent a collection of eight of his greatest works which is to say eight of the greatest films ever made. Oy-sama (1951) is an adaptation of Tanizaki Jun'ichir: a poignant tale of two sisters and their ill-fated relationship with the same man: a tale of the social mores and affairs of the heart that might destroy siblings. Ugetsu monogatari (1953) a ghost-tale par excellence and one of the most highly acclaimed works of the cinema is an intensely poetic sublimely lyrical tragedy of men lured away from their wives which consistently features on polls of the best films ever made. Gion-bayashi (1953) is a drama set in the world of the geisha a subtle masterwork that yields myriad insights into the lives of Japan's service-class in the early '50s. Sansh-day (1954) recounts an unforgettably sad story of the 11th century involving kidnapping and indentured servitude - and figures again with its exquisite tone and purity of emotion as one of the most critically revered films of any era. Uwasa no onna (1954) another Mizoguchi picture set in a modern geisha house pits mother against daughter with the ensuing drama forcing both to confront their attitudes toward family and business in what is one of the filmmaker's most astute filmic examinations of oppressed femininity. Chikamatsu monogatari (1954) the tragic story of a forbidden love affair between a merchant's wife and her husband's employee was hailed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa as a great masterpiece that could only have been made by Mizoguchi. Ykihi (1955) recounts an 8th-century Chinese story of a widowed emperor and his imperial concubine filmed in sumptuous hallucinatory Agfa-stock colour. Akasen-chitai (1956) aka Street of Shame is Mizoguchi's final masterpiece and one of the greatest last films ever made depicting the goings-on in a Tokyo brothel carrying the name Dreamland where dreams are nevertheless shattered beneath the weight of financial necessity and all questions of conscience - a last testament which inspired the great French critic Jean Douchet to proclaim: For me along with Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux and Renoir's La Rgle du jeu the greatest film in the history of the cinema.

• Sansho Dayu | Blu Ray | (23/04/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £22.99

  Based on an ancient legend, as recounted by celebrated author Mori Ogai (in his short story of the same name, written in 1915), and adapted by Mizoguchi, Sansho Dayu [Sansho the Steward, aka Sansho the Bailiff] is both distinctively Japanese and as deeply affecting as a Greek tragedy. Described in its opening title as one of the oldest and most tragic in Japan's history, Mizoguchi depicts an unforgettably sad story of social injustice, family love, and personal sacrifice - all conveyed with exquisite tone and purity of emotion. Set in Heian era (11th century) Japan, it follows an aristocratic woman, Tamaki (played by Tanaka Kinuyo, who also stars in Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari), and her two children, Zushio (Hanayagi Yoshiaki) and Anju (Kagawa Kyoko), who are separated by feudal tyranny from Tamaki's husband. When the children are kidnapped and sold into slavery to the eponymous Sansho (Shindo Eitaro), the lives of each of the family members follow very different paths - each course uniquely, and insufferably, tragic. Famed for its period reconstructions and powerful imagery, often through the director's trademark long takes, Sansho Dayu is one of the most critically revered of all of japanese cinema - a Venice Film Festival Silver Lion winner that often appears in lists of the greatest films ever made.

• Ugetsu Monogatari / Oyu-Sama (Masters Of Cinema) | DVD | (21/04/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Ugetsu Monogatar: Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari [Tales of the Rain and Moon] is a highly acclaimed masterwork of Japanese cinema. Based on a pair of 18th century ghost stories by Ueda Akinari. Amidst the pandemonium of civil war potter Genjuro (Mori Masayuki) and samurai-aspirant Tobei (Ozawa Sakae) set out with their wives in search of wealth and military glory respectively. Two parallel tales ensue when the men are lured from their wives: Genjuro by the ghostly charm of Lady Wakasa (Kyo Machiko); Tobei by the dream of military glory. Famed for its meticulously orchestrated long takes and its subtle blending of realistic period reconstruction and lyrical supernaturalism Ugetsu Monogatari is an intensely poetic tragedy that consistently features on polls of the best films ever made. Oyu-Sama:Another literary adaptation - this time of a story by one of Japan's modern literary masters novelist Tanizaki Jun'ichiro - Mizoguchi's Oyu-sama [Miss Oyu] is a poignant and contemplative tale of two sisters and their ill-fated relationship with the same man. At the core is Mizoguchi-regular Tanaka Kinuyo (who also stars in Ugetsu Monogatari) as the eponymous Oyu the older sister who allows marital customs to dictate the lives of those caught up in this complex love triangle. Continuing the director's fascination with the relationship between affairs of the heart and the social mores that shape and sometimes destroy them Mizoguchi transforms his subject matter into the realm of the transcendental through the use of long mobile shots - an approach that reaches its apotheosis in a take of almost six minutes - infused with humanity and emotion.

• Sansho Dayu/Gion Bayashi | DVD | (19/11/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £23.99

  Based on an ancient legend as recounted by celebrated author Mori Ogai (in his short story of the same name written in 1915) and adapted by Japanese director Mizoguchi Kenji Sansho Dayu is both distinctively Japanese and as deeply affecting as a Greek tragedy. Described in its opening title as ""one of the oldest and most tragic in Japan's history"" Mizoguchi depicts an unforgettably sad story of social injustice family love personal sacrifice and fateful tragedy. Set in Heian era (11th century) Japan it follows an aristocratic woman Tamaki (played by Tanaka Kinuyo who also stars in Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari) and her two children Zushio (Hanayagi Yoshiaki) and Anju (Kagawa Kyoko) who are separated by feudal tyranny from Tamaki's husband.

• Ugetsu Monogatari | Blu Ray | (23/04/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £22.99

  Mizoguchi's Ugetsu Monogatari [Tales of the Rain and Moon, aka Ugetsu] is a highly acclaimed masterwork of Japanese cinema. Based on a pair of 18th century ghost stories by Ueda Akinari, the film's release continued Mizoguchi's introduction to the West, where it was nominated for an Oscar and won the the Venice Film Festival's Silver Lion award (for Best Direction). In 16th century Japan, amidst the pandemonium of civil war, potter Genjuro (Mori Masayuki) and samurai-aspirant Tobei (Ozawa Sakae) set out with their wives in search of wealth and military glory respectively. Two parallel tales ensue when the men are lured from their wives: Genjuro by the ghostly charm of Lady Wakasa (Kyo Machiko); Tobei by the dream of military glory. Famed for its meticulously orchestrated long takes and its subtle blending of realistic period reconstruction and lyrical supernaturalism, Ugetsu Monogatari is an intensely poetic tragedy that consistently features on polls of the best films ever made.

• The Lady Of Musashino | DVD | (26/04/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Mizoguchi's dissection of the Japanese reaction to the aftermath of war as a fastidiously moral woman faces upheaval with the changing times brought about by the new post-Imperial period...

• Chikamatsu Monogatari/ Uwasa no Onna | DVD | (25/02/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Based on a centuries old tale with roots in real events Chikamatsu Monogatari tells the hauntingly tragic story of a forbidden love affair between a merchant's wife Osan (Kyoko Kagawa) and her husband's employee Mohei (Kazuo Hasegawa) in an era when the punishment for adultery was crucifixion. When a series of innocent events lead to the false accusation of an affair between Osan and Mohei the accused pair are forced to flee an almost certain death sentence. On the run the outlaw couple grow closer together drawn inexorably towards the romantic crime of which they are accused. Released the same year Uwasa No Onna offers a contrasting portrait of attitudes concerning love and relationships. Set in a modern Kyoto geisha house the film revolves around Hatsuko (Kinuyo Tanaka) madame of her own geisha house. When Hatsuko ends up pursuing the same man as her daughter Yukiko (Yoshiko Kuga) both women are forced to confront their attitudes towards each other and the family business.

• Akasen Chitai/Yokihi | DVD | (26/05/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Filmed shortly before the Japanese government's introduction of an anti-prostitution bill Akasen Chitai is a compelling study of women torn between financial necessity and questions of conscience. It was nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and inspired French critic Jean Douchet to proclaim: ""For me along with Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux and Renoir's La Rgle du Jeu the greatest film in the history of cinema"". Set many centuries earlier Yokihi [Imperial Concubine Yang aka Yang Kwei Fei] recounts the Chinese legend referred to in its title. In eighth-century T'ang China widowed Emperor Hsan-tsung (Masayuki Mori) reigns alone devoting his life to the composition of music. When he meets and falls in love with a beautiful young woman (Machiko Kyo) who will become his imperial concubine a tale of political intrigue and rival dynasties is set in motion with ultimately tragic consequences. Sumptuously filmed in vibrant colour Yokihi is the most ancient of Mizoguchi's costume dramas yet its central themes of passion sorrow and the conflict between love and power remain timeless - it was also nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice.

• The Japanese Masters Collection | DVD | (09/10/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £39.99

  Floating Weeds (Dir. Yasujiro Ozu 1959): Floating Weeds is one of the final films directed by the legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu. A remake of one of his own silent features it tells the story of a travelling Kabuki acting troupe led by Komajuro who arrive in a small coastal town. There Komajuro is reunited with his former lover Oyoshi and their illegitimate son who is unaware that the itinerant actor is his father. But the reunion provokes the jealousy of Sumiko Komanjuro's current mistress who plots a devastating revenge. Beautifully composed and surperbly played 'Floating Weeds' is one of Ozu's most affecting poignant and powerful films. The End Of Summer (Dir. Yasujiro Ozu 1961): This penultimate film by Japanese master director Yasujiro Ozu examines the difficulties faced by the Kohayagawa family as they struggle to adapt their traditional values to a rapidly changing post-war Japan. As the family's generations-old sake making business begins to fail in the face of increasingly fierce competition Manbei the incorrigible elderly patriarch rekindles an affair with an old flame much to the disapproval of his daughter Fumiko. He is further distracted by his attempts to marry off his other two daughters: Akiko the eldest and a widow with a small son and Noriko the youngest who is still single. A sublime bittersweet elegy for a vanishing world The End of Summer is beautifully shot in muted colour elegantly acted and masterfully directed by one of the 20th Century's greatest filmmakers. The Lady of Musashino (Dir. Kenji Mizoguchi 1951): Mizoguchi's dissection of the Japanese reaction to the aftermath of war as a fastidiously moral woman faces upheaval with the changing times brought about by the new post-Imperial period... The Life of Oharu (Dir. Kenji Mizoguchi 1952): In feudal Japan the daughter of a samurai Oharu falls in love with a man below her station. Expelled from the castle in Kyoto her family tries to regain respectability but Oharu is forced into a new life as a concubine and then a fallen woman ever hoping to preserve some semblance of purity in a corrupt world...