Review of Street of Shame (1956) by Ryan H — 04 Feb 2012
It's disappointing that this film didn't have more heart. Mizoguchi creates this interesting situation of prostitutes trying to make a living in a job that's being outlawed by the government, but it doesn't really give many interesting insights.
Go figure, a prostitute is doing this because she is in debt and she desperately needs the money. Then the older ones are sad because they are older and the men want younger women. But it never really delves into their actual emotions.
One of the women is upset because her son disowns her for being a prostitute. Great story, but it pretty much stops there. Maybe I was just wanting more from each character, and somehow that wasn't what Mizoguchi was going for? I just felt like there was so much more set up with a young woman coming in to work for the brothel and then have the older ones be upset.
Instead, it just takes the obvious paths and never surprised me. It's entertaining and well done with the performances, but if you're looking for something deeper, I'd say look somewhere else.
This review of Street of Shame (1956) was written by Ryan H on 04 Feb 2012.
Street of Shame has generally received very positive reviews.
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