Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi | Japan | 102 mins
Based on the famous joruri play, where a singer and shamisen player accompany a bunraku puppet performance, this film from the acclaimed director Kenji Mizoguchi is considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese cinema. Featuring an unforgettable visual style inspired by traditional woodcuts and scroll paintings, and showcasing Mizoguchi's famous long takes, the film is a stirring critique of the forces of greed, social conformity, and misogyny in traditional Japanese society. Set in the 18th century, the story centres on a complex web of relationships between an elderly scroll maker in Kyoto, his young wife, their maid, and his top apprentice, with tragedy dogging the characters due to a series of presumed affairs and infidelities.
-Written by Ben Rowe
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Community Partner: Calgary Japanese Community Association
The Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA) is an organization of volunteers, clubs and partnerships that promote Japanese culture in Calgary and the surrounding areas. Although they’ve drastically reduced the amount of programs in their centre during covid, they still actively support a wide variety of activities. The CJCA office is based in the Calgary Nikkei Cultural & Senior Centre located at 2236-29 Street SW in Calgary. Stop by for a visit or to learn more about the organization.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.