"It had been a bleak ordeal, like a harsh winter. But the trees that line the streets can sprout new buds no matter how cold the wind. I too must be just as strong as the winds that gust around me."
A slice-of-life film about an upright woman's struggle to find happiness, and survive in a harsh world that attempts to crush her spirit and morals at her every turn but fails to, with an earnest performance by Takamine Hideko. A little too bleak at times, but the FL's resilience and silent strength draws you in.
This was clearly a film ahead of its time, even feminist to an extent, with a complex female lead, who wanted…
Oh man the misogyny in this film. The man claimed to love her when she was in tears, shunned by society and desperately hanging on to him. But the moment, she became someone who expressed her desire boldly, and a woman who had her own money, he resented her. Love my foot. He just wanted her to be below him, and follow him like a nice devoted woman who would worship his ground.
Also in the courtroom proceedings. What a fantastic point the lawyer makes in that if she cut the rope for a stranger, it would be ok, but because the man was her husband she was expected to die with him or kill herself at the expense of saving him. All the men writing her off because she expressed her own desire to live, and dislike for her husband; like a woman is supposed to love and be devoted to her husband no matter how much of a dick he is. Sad that some of these opinions still hold true.
Felt so sad to see her die. She won the trial, but lost at life. Even though she cut the rope out of hatred, it's clear that had she not done that, all of them would have died. She didn't set out to 'murder' him and yet she was misunderstood. She just wanted love.
This was clearly a film ahead of its time, even feminist to an extent, with a complex female lead, who wanted to love and be loved. Who would have thought at that time that a woman was capable of being in control of her own life and having her own desires. Society has come a long way indeed, and yet some of the misogynistic views held in this film still hold true. Wakao Ayako's fantastic performance and the realistic and well-written courtroom proceedings make this a great watch. Highly recommend this psychological film for all.
"It's human to lie. Most of the time we can't even be honest with ourselves." Kurosawa, you genius. Take a bow! The story presents 4 perspectives to a murder and the question isn't about who is telling the truth because clearly the truth is somewhere in between, but its the way these perspectives explore various themes of the way humans manipulate / see things in a way that benefits us, to the inherent misogyny in society at that time. There is no one truth, and everybody's version of the truth might never make for a credible account. A timeless classic, well deserving of all the accolades thanks to its seamless and compelling story-telling, flawless direction and brilliant acting, esp from Mifune Toshiro as the bandit.
Also in response to @TheButterfly - There was an inherent misogyny rooted in all the male characters, but I don't think the film was trying to be misogynistic. It merely presented the society as it was in 1950 where women were chattels / objects of desire for men and it was always the woman's fault for tempting another man to rape or kill.
This definitely didn't look like a movie from the 60s. I expected more depth, but it was a pretty straightforward…
TRIGGER: There is a scene where one of the guys attempts to thrust a snake into the ML's mouth and when he fails, uses the snake to hit him time and time again. Even though I've seen a lot of violent movies, that made me freaking uncomfortable.
This definitely didn't look like a movie from the 60s. I expected more depth, but it was a pretty straightforward movie about the ML's journey to finding the man who tortured him, filled with flashbacks of abuse to the ultimate confrontation/revenge. I kept falling asleep while watching it LOL. I don't recommend this bland film.
Every once in a while, I crave fluffy dramas like this. The writer could have clearly done without some of the…
RE: What happened in E7 Not that I'm saying what happened is ok, but I think a lot of ppl misinterpreted the FL's reaction and made a big deal out of it. She woke up in the bed undressed, unaware of what happened. She couldn't have assumed that assault was involved after all she was drunk and couldn't remember a thing. So how do ppl expect her to immediately assume assault and slap the guy? Isn't it possible that she undressed herself? We don't even know what exactly happened. Afterall, he's her friend and he was nice to her. He appeared to back off after she rejected him. So its fair for her to not assume the worst of him. She explained herself to the ML as she knew the situation. Not more, not less.
And then when Kamiyama comes to the house and lies - she is pretty clear. She calls him out for his lie. And she asks him why he is lying. She says she trusts him but that's more out of wanting to draw out the truth and believing that he wouldn't have any ill intentions towards her. It's fair for her to not understand why he would.
Again most commentors are mad that she didn't slap Kamiyama but on what basis? She was drunk and she doesn't remember what happened. She wants to believe that nothing happened but can she swear on it when she herself doesn't know shit? And I'll repeat this - she has little reason to believe that this friend of hers would go to the extent of 'assaulting' her or harbouring a negative agenda towards her.
RE: The mum None of the characters said what she did is ok. But everyone recognised that she wasn't doing it out of ill intent, and that's what makes the difference. What she needed was understanding and love, not contempt. Again I am not saying that what she did is ok but it's the intention that matters. The thing is it's hard for many viewers to understand because her character, and psychology was not fleshed out enough so it makes ppl feel like the characters simply brushed over what she did and forgave too easily when that's not the case.
RE: the separation Again, there was no point fighting because she understood he did it to protect her. I am not saying that its ok for him to ask her to leave as when he wants, and for her to just go running back. But that's really different for everybody right? That's kinda the way their relationship is, where none of them ever forced each other for anything. Would fighting solve anything? She wants to be with him and she understands that's the way his personality is and she loves the way he is. She did eventually communicate that they will be family and will handle this together. So what he needed wasn't a fight but assurance. You know if he does it again, they will fight for sure, but at that point, it wasn't what mattered.
It's the writer / whoever did the screenplay's fault for not executing these parts well, causing viewers to be agitated with the characters.
I know what you mean espcially because I just finish Knockout (1989), but how about him in Tokyo Elevator Girl?
He was so damn irritating in Tokyo Elevator Girl. I could never understand why the FL fell for him. I sound like a hater but his presence ruined the drama LOOOOL
Every once in a while, I crave fluffy dramas like this. The writer could have clearly done without some of the twists towards the end or executed it better. Nonetheless, it was a fun watch thanks to Hashimoto Kanna and Yamada Ryosuke's lovely chemistry and banter. Their pet dog and the FL's family brought some really positive energy too. After all the dark dramas I've been watching, this was time well spent :)
If you liked the vibes of movies like 'Love Rosie' / 'Harry Meets Sally' or dramas like 'In Time With You', then you might enjoy this. Otherwise, don't bother.
For a romance dorama, this surprised me initially with unpredictable twists, likeable and earnest characters, and a star-crossed romance of 2 stubborn and flawed individuals who constantly loved and yearned for each other yet somehow 'missed' each other. Sometimes it's not as simple as just saying 'I love you' because they clearly did all the time, yet isn't it the most important.. The first 5 episodes were great. It got tedious and overtly frustrating in the middle and some introspection for the leads would have been great to avoid the detours, but the sincere performances by all 4 leads kept me going. It's quite a paradox that despite some important conversations being avoided, the characters were pretty honest and true to who they were. I was glad when it was finally over because it felt like it took forever. The ending, too, was unfortunately lackluster and in the end, we barely got to understand or hear why they went through so much pain / angst. "Love shouldn't be something you have to work at. It should bring people closer naturally." This dialogue accurately sums up the drama and the leads' journey for me. This isn't a drama for everybody. There are far better 90s dramas out there. You have been warned.
P.S Mental note to myself: Avoid this screenwriter's works like a plague LMAO
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A slice-of-life film about an upright woman's struggle to find happiness, and survive in a harsh world that attempts to crush her spirit and morals at her every turn but fails to, with an earnest performance by Takamine Hideko. A little too bleak at times, but the FL's resilience and silent strength draws you in.
Highly recommend this poignant classic for all :)
The man claimed to love her when she was in tears, shunned by society and desperately hanging on to him. But the moment, she became someone who expressed her desire boldly, and a woman who had her own money, he resented her. Love my foot.
He just wanted her to be below him, and follow him like a nice devoted woman who would worship his ground.
Also in the courtroom proceedings. What a fantastic point the lawyer makes in that if she cut the rope for a stranger, it would be ok, but because the man was her husband she was expected to die with him or kill herself at the expense of saving him. All the men writing her off because she expressed her own desire to live, and dislike for her husband; like a woman is supposed to love and be devoted to her husband no matter how much of a dick he is. Sad that some of these opinions still hold true.
Felt so sad to see her die. She won the trial, but lost at life. Even though she cut the rope out of hatred, it's clear that had she not done that, all of them would have died. She didn't set out to 'murder' him and yet she was misunderstood. She just wanted love.
Wakao Ayako's fantastic performance and the realistic and well-written courtroom proceedings make this a great watch.
Highly recommend this psychological film for all.
Kurosawa, you genius. Take a bow!
The story presents 4 perspectives to a murder and the question isn't about who is telling the truth because clearly the truth is somewhere in between, but its the way these perspectives explore various themes of the way humans manipulate / see things in a way that benefits us, to the inherent misogyny in society at that time. There is no one truth, and everybody's version of the truth might never make for a credible account.
A timeless classic, well deserving of all the accolades thanks to its seamless and compelling story-telling, flawless direction and brilliant acting, esp from Mifune Toshiro as the bandit.
Also in response to @TheButterfly - There was an inherent misogyny rooted in all the male characters, but I don't think the film was trying to be misogynistic. It merely presented the society as it was in 1950 where women were chattels / objects of desire for men and it was always the woman's fault for tempting another man to rape or kill.
It's not a perfect drama, but it is a solid story of stepping out into the world on your own and growing up.
I don't recommend this bland film.
Not that I'm saying what happened is ok, but I think a lot of ppl misinterpreted the FL's reaction and made a big deal out of it. She woke up in the bed undressed, unaware of what happened. She couldn't have assumed that assault was involved after all she was drunk and couldn't remember a thing. So how do ppl expect her to immediately assume assault and slap the guy? Isn't it possible that she undressed herself? We don't even know what exactly happened.
Afterall, he's her friend and he was nice to her. He appeared to back off after she rejected him. So its fair for her to not assume the worst of him.
She explained herself to the ML as she knew the situation. Not more, not less.
And then when Kamiyama comes to the house and lies - she is pretty clear. She calls him out for his lie. And she asks him why he is lying. She says she trusts him but that's more out of wanting to draw out the truth and believing that he wouldn't have any ill intentions towards her. It's fair for her to not understand why he would.
Again most commentors are mad that she didn't slap Kamiyama but on what basis? She was drunk and she doesn't remember what happened. She wants to believe that nothing happened but can she swear on it when she herself doesn't know shit? And I'll repeat this - she has little reason to believe that this friend of hers would go to the extent of 'assaulting' her or harbouring a negative agenda towards her.
RE: The mum
None of the characters said what she did is ok. But everyone recognised that she wasn't doing it out of ill intent, and that's what makes the difference. What she needed was understanding and love, not contempt. Again I am not saying that what she did is ok but it's the intention that matters. The thing is it's hard for many viewers to understand because her character, and psychology was not fleshed out enough so it makes ppl feel like the characters simply brushed over what she did and forgave too easily when that's not the case.
RE: the separation
Again, there was no point fighting because she understood he did it to protect her. I am not saying that its ok for him to ask her to leave as when he wants, and for her to just go running back. But that's really different for everybody right? That's kinda the way their relationship is, where none of them ever forced each other for anything. Would fighting solve anything? She wants to be with him and she understands that's the way his personality is and she loves the way he is. She did eventually communicate that they will be family and will handle this together. So what he needed wasn't a fight but assurance. You know if he does it again, they will fight for sure, but at that point, it wasn't what mattered.
It's the writer / whoever did the screenplay's fault for not executing these parts well, causing viewers to be agitated with the characters.
Renai Mangaka
Promise Cinderella
Neechan No Koibito
After all the dark dramas I've been watching, this was time well spent :)
KIYOHARA KAYA
KUDO KANKURO
*adds to my watchlist instantly*
For a romance dorama, this surprised me initially with unpredictable twists, likeable and earnest characters, and a star-crossed romance of 2 stubborn and flawed individuals who constantly loved and yearned for each other yet somehow 'missed' each other. Sometimes it's not as simple as just saying 'I love you' because they clearly did all the time, yet isn't it the most important.. The first 5 episodes were great.
It got tedious and overtly frustrating in the middle and some introspection for the leads would have been great to avoid the detours, but the sincere performances by all 4 leads kept me going. It's quite a paradox that despite some important conversations being avoided, the characters were pretty honest and true to who they were. I was glad when it was finally over because it felt like it took forever. The ending, too, was unfortunately lackluster and in the end, we barely got to understand or hear why they went through so much pain / angst.
"Love shouldn't be something you have to work at. It should bring people closer naturally."
This dialogue accurately sums up the drama and the leads' journey for me.
This isn't a drama for everybody. There are far better 90s dramas out there. You have been warned.
P.S Mental note to myself: Avoid this screenwriter's works like a plague LMAO