Review of Sisters of the Gion (1936) by Kevin N — 12 Apr 2011
My awe of the limitlessness of Kenji Mizoguchi's visual creativity is once again renewed. This, one of his earliest sound films, is so filled with lively movement that it gives the tragic plot a pulse that keeps us connected to these selfish characters.
The two leads, who play the title sisters, demand both empathy and pity as they burn through lusty men in the pursuit of the fattest wallet; Mizoguchi is careful with the subject of prostitution here as he always is- as an unfortunate and disturbing human role but also one that must be taken seriously, one that people must be a part of to survive.
His camera work is nothing short of stunning; effortless tracking shots and complex framing make the world around the subjects as interesting as they are.
This review of Sisters of the Gion (1936) was written by Kevin N on 12 Apr 2011.
Sisters of the Gion has generally received positive reviews.
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