Set in the Gion district in Kyoto, the film depicts the lives of two geishas: Umekichi and her younger sister Omocha. Umekichi comes to the aid of Furusawa, when he has become bankrupt, and allows him to stay in the Geisha-house. Omocha doesn't like this and believes they should be wasting their time with richer clients. Umekichi likes men, while Omocha believes they are losers and despises them. A shop clerk falls in love with Omocha, and ends up stealing the money for a kimono for her. Omocha takes the kimono and doesn't show any thanks. It's only when the owner of the shop (the clerk works at) becomes her cleint, do bad things begin to happen.
Mizoguchi is often refered to as the third best Japanese director, behind Kurosawa and Ozu. 'Sisters of the Gion' is an early work of his with a duration of only 69 minutes. It's a short simple story, but if you know Mizoguchi, you pretty much know what to expect. Implicit prostitution, similar to Ozu cinematography, and an unresolved ending.
As it's a short film, there's not a lot to say. The film is genuinely good. Not great, but it plans out to tell a story and tells it. I feel that Mizoguchi's earlier work doesn't anywhere match the masterpieces in his later career. It feels like an average version of his final film 'Akasen Chitai'. That's the truth, it's just a good film.
TO CONCLUDE
A very short review, as I have few opinions on this film. Acting is good, cinematography is good, story is good. It's just a good film. No more, no less. What a lame review.
SCORE
73
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