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The Crucified Lovers
The Crucified Lovers
8.8
/10
1,468 Ratings

THE CRUCIFIED LOVERS

近松物語 | Chikamatsu Monogatari

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
Japan, 1954
Drama, Romance, History

Synopsis

Kyoto, 17th century. Osan is married to Ishun, a wealthy scroll-maker. When Osan is falsely accused of having an affair with the best worker, Mohei, the pair flee the city and declare their love for each other. Ishun orders his men to find them, and separate them to avoid public humiliation.

Synopsis

Kyoto, 17th century. Osan is married to Ishun, a wealthy scroll-maker. When Osan is falsely accused of having an affair with the best worker, Mohei, the pair flee the city and declare their love for each other. Ishun orders his men to find them, and separate them to avoid public humiliation.

Our take

A late yet pivotal entry in Mizoguchi’s prolific career, The Crucified Lovers is a subtly orchestrated portrait of infidelity in 17th century Japan. Starring screen icon Kagawa Kyoko (Tokyo Story), the film tackles social hierarchy and gender identity through its deftly episodic storytelling.