Special Series

A Geisha

祇園囃子

Directed by: Kenji Mizoguchi
1953 / 84 minutes / Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult

Based on the novel "Gionbayashi" by Matsutaro Kawaguchi

Screened as part of JFF Classics 2018.

Young Eiko escapes her lecherous uncle by seeking refuge in an okiya, a lodging house. There she determinedly pleads with the esteemed geisha, Miyoharu, to take her on as an apprentice. Struggling to keep afloat in the post-war economy, the two women strive to excel in their profession as dignified artists and fight for their right to choose their own patrons. However, they face pressures from their elders and customers to auction off their love to the highest bidder. Will they ever escape the cruel reality of an industry built on lies?

Based on the novel Gionbayashi by Matsutaro Kawaguchi, Kenji Mizoguchi depicts body politics between geisha, teahouse owners, and their customers in post-war Japan.