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Poster for Sisters of the Gion

Sisters of the Gion

1936 · 1h 9m · N/A Drama
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

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Overview

Umekichi, a geisha in the Gion district of Kyoto, feels obliged to help her lover Furusawa when he asks to stay with her after becoming bankrupt and leaving his wife. However her younger sister Omocha tells her she is wasting her time and money on a loser. She thinks that they should both find wealthy patrons to support them. Omocha therefore tries various schemes to get rid of Furusawa, and set themselves up with better patrons.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
89%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The great Japanese director followed his tough-minded Osaka Elegy with an equally forceful but more subtle analysis of female subjugation.

J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Fresh

Superbly acted, shot and scripted, this is searing stuff.

Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh

The masterpiece of Kenji Mizoguchi's prewar period.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

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