Osaka Elegy

Naniwa erejî (Kenji Mizoguchi - 1936)

This film from Kenji Mizoguchi, the director of Ugetsu monogatari (1953)is a part of the Criterion Collection’s box set entitled Kenji Mizoguchi's Fallen Women.  Saw "Ugetsu…" way back in time on VHS and was left with a lasting impression. Osaka Elegy is indeed a very sad monogatari.

We follow young Ayako into prostitution to save his father and help to her brother, but ingratitude is once again the reward. In the end she’s cast out of the family nest and she’s all alone in the dark. Given the surprisingly “modern tone” and feministic approach one cannot but think that her newfound wisdom derived from her “glimpse behind the curtain” will make her stronger and able to choose her own path.