Directed by Mikio Naruse, this film reads like an antithesis of George Cukor's "Camille" (1936). Set in a post-war, rapidly developing, Western-influenced Japan, the title characters in both films ply their trade among the wealthy merchants, captains of industry and fortunate sons of the upper crust, selling their charm, while obstinately hanging on to their sense of decency and self-respect. Whereas Camille's love for the infatuated, Armand Duval compromises his future happiness and reputation as well as her own livelihood as a courtesan, "When a Woman"'s Keiko ("Mama") is a hostess who longs for the love of a good man (preferably one with money) who will deliver her from her booze-soaked evenings entertaining high-rollers in the Ginza district. Camille is forced to give up the love she can't have while Keiko can't have the love she wants and everyone's unhappy except the man holding the purse strings.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
"When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" (1960)
Directed by Mikio Naruse, this film reads like an antithesis of George Cukor's "Camille" (1936). Set in a post-war, rapidly developing, Western-influenced Japan, the title characters in both films ply their trade among the wealthy merchants, captains of industry and fortunate sons of the upper crust, selling their charm, while obstinately hanging on to their sense of decency and self-respect. Whereas Camille's love for the infatuated, Armand Duval compromises his future happiness and reputation as well as her own livelihood as a courtesan, "When a Woman"'s Keiko ("Mama") is a hostess who longs for the love of a good man (preferably one with money) who will deliver her from her booze-soaked evenings entertaining high-rollers in the Ginza district. Camille is forced to give up the love she can't have while Keiko can't have the love she wants and everyone's unhappy except the man holding the purse strings.
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