Kikunosuke Onoue is an actor for his adopted father's acting troupe. Everyone around him treats him as an excellent actor, but behind his back complain about his poor acting. They praise him for being the heir for his father until Otoku, the nurse for his father's son, tells him the truth. Kikunosuke is upset, falls in love with Otoku, and runs away to Tokyo to try and become a better actor on his own. Once there he meets Otoku again, who was fired from their household, and they fall in love.
This is one of the few Mizoguchi films which wasn't about Geishas, and a definite highlight of his earlier work. With hints of 'Chikamatsu Monogatari' and 'Floating Weeds', the themes include alienation from society, forbidden love, and redemption. All of which, are presented in the classic Mizoguchi way, with great cinematography, superb acting and detailed sets.
Despite the solid acting the film ran too long at 2 1/2 hours, and I never felt involved with the characters. Maybe because Ozu's 'Floating Weeds' and Mizoguchi's 'Chikamatsu Monogatari' felt similar and were greater. This film probably inspired 'Floating Weeds', and helped develop Mizoguchi's style in preparation for 'Chikamatsu Monogatari' but watching this film reminded me how great those other films were. The narrative was stretched out so much, when the ending occured, I wasn't shocked or sad.
This is another film to be admired more than loved. His later films are immaculate in every way, but his earlier films don't feel quite there.
TO CONCLUDE
Mizoguchi's best film from the 1930s is enjoyable, lovingly crafted, but way too long.
SCORE
77
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