#69 - The Life of Oharu (1952, Kenji Mizoguchi)

The AFI Silver is doing a Mizoguchi session at the moment so I was thankful I got the chance to see this movie, frustratingly not available on R1 DVD. This movie, wow. Set in 17th century Japan but completely timeless, Oharu chronicles the decline and degradation of a young woman, once a courtesan to a mighty lord, now a 50 year old street whore.

Kinuyo Tanaka gives a knockout performance as the title character, saying little but saying so much. I always find it hardest to write about the films on this list that hit me hardest.

new #100: Senso