Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out.

rmax304823

An adult tragedy of two pursued lovers during Japan's feudal period. It was a rigid society divided by class and gender. Mohei, a talented and decent scroll maker with a promising future, belongs to the servant class. A relatively minor infraction on his part is turned into a major offense by his nasty employer, and when the Master throws Mohei out and has charges brought against him, the Master's wife happens to discover that the Master has been having "illicit adulterous affairs" on the side.

The punishment is literal crucifixion for Mohai, so the Master's wife helps him escape and runs away with him. The unyielding Master Scrollmaker sics the authorities on both of them. The wife is on the verge of suicide, but recovers her desire to live when she discovers that she and Mohai have secretly loved each other for years. She willingly joins Mohai in their journey up hill and down dale and for this she too is charged and faces crucifixion.

It's a story for grown up sensibilities because the emotional bonds involved -- not just between the pair of illicit lovers but their friends and relatives -- are intricate. The parents don't want them around because if they're caught hiding the fugitives, they face the same punishment. Everyone is ready to squeal on them because what the lovers are doing is "against the law." The performances are adequate once you accept and get past the Japanese filigrees. The fugitive couple are both fine but some of the supporting players are reaching for the stars.

I won't spell out the bittersweet ending. The movie itself is worth catching, filled with tension, intrigue, and action.

score 7/10

rmax304823 26 March 2017

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3671053/