An abandoned baby of twins girls adopted into a higher class merchant family in first half 20th century Japan. Shima Iwashita playing both sisters, Chieko and Naeko, is stunning of course, but their characters are very understated, as you might expect. Her adoptive father is an artistic designer of fabrics, and rather unsuccessful merchant and there is a question as to whether Chieko will take on the shop. A young male obi designer and weaver is drawn to Chieko but is clearly aware of social boundaries.
Chieko meets Naeko by accident, and their relationship is revealed, but again the social difference between the two sisters is evident. The obi designer accidentally meets Naeko and assuming wrongly it is Chieko promises to design an obi for her - enough of the plot details; in time given the class considerations he pursues Naeko, and the idea of a spirit person emerges, all quite understandable.
Kyoto scenery is prominent, together with the festivals, and the tree-lined pathway in the royal gardens evokes memories for me.
This is a gentle story without conflict or drama, all in all a very pleasant film presenting something distinctly Japanese. Not everyone's taste, but it is mine!
Chieko meets Naeko by accident, and their relationship is revealed, but again the social difference between the two sisters is evident. The obi designer accidentally meets Naeko and assuming wrongly it is Chieko promises to design an obi for her - enough of the plot details; in time given the class considerations he pursues Naeko, and the idea of a spirit person emerges, all quite understandable.
Kyoto scenery is prominent, together with the festivals, and the tree-lined pathway in the royal gardens evokes memories for me.
This is a gentle story without conflict or drama, all in all a very pleasant film presenting something distinctly Japanese. Not everyone's taste, but it is mine!