Mizoguchi’s film is based on the life of a prominent 18th Century artist and his complex relationships with the women who inspired him. While jealousies and passions abound among the courtesans and geishas who act as his models, Utamaro (Minosuke Bandô) seems able only to truly connect with them through his paintings. Made during post-war American Occupation of Japan and the constant threat of censorship, the film is often regarded as one of Mizoguchi’s most autobiographical, reflecting the tensions of the time and exploring the theme of artistic confinement.
We use cookies to help you navigate our website and to keep track of our promotional efforts. Some cookies are necessary for the site to operate normally while others are optional. To find out what cookies we are using please visit Cookies Policy.