The story tells about the experiences of two couples during World War II. During the war, prices were soaring, and Genjuro wanted to make a fortune through business; while his younger brother, Fujibei, wanted to join the military and stand out in the war. Soon, the two got what they wanted, but Genjuro was obsessed with the beauty Wakasa incarnated by a ghost, and his wife in his hometown was stabbed to death when the soldiers were robbing food. Fujibei changed from a poor peasant to a bodyguard with ten subordinates, but his wife, Abin, was raped by dozens of soldiers and turned into a prostitute. Fujibei gave up his military position in order to reunite with his wife.
The use of the whole film and the proper use of special effects make the film full of hazy, mysterious, poignant, and demonic atmosphere. Although the film is set in the era of war, it is not successful in the description of the war. The protagonist Genjuro himself has not been directly exposed to the war and its disasters. Therefore, in the true description of the war and the fantasy performance of the protagonist, there are some Inconsistencies. But the film is still considered one of the most important works in the history of Japanese cinema. The film refracts the tragic fate of women who are hurt and devastated in the turbulent times by the encounters of two couples in the war and turmoil. The special effects are excellent, making the film full of mysterious, hazy and poignant atmosphere, coupled with the vivid performances of the actors, Mizoguchi's title of "female film master" spread for a while.
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