A hauntingly told melodrama of how one woman ended up in the life of prostitution in her 50's. Mizoguchi is famous for many films, but especially Life of Oharu, Ugetsu and Sansho the Bailiff. He uses many long shots throughout the film which have a surprising effect on the viewer. It both draws the viewer into the drama and pushes the viewer away in unexpected ways. One could use this film to explore the male gaze from a number of perspectives, including the viewer, that pronounce judgment at all levels. The Buddhist elements in this film are also explored in intricate ways. It is a film that deserves more than one viewing; but will only be appreciated by those who are interested in exploring our humanity, rather than seeking entertainment.
SPOILERS I have yet to see Sansho, but whereas Ugetsu is mesmerizing in a tragic way, Oharu is unrelenting on the tragic developments in her life. Oharu has no way of escaping the feudal and aristocratic imposed rules of society from her youth to her old age. At every turn, her life outcome is outside of her hands. The patriarchal values of male strength, authoritarianism and honor at all costs thwart any chances of Oharu having control over her life.
The long shots keep the viewer from making the narrative too personal and at the same time indict the viewer for any preconceived notions he/she holds about the life of prostitution. One sees the tragedy of true love unfulfilled and rejected by society as it reverberates through the rest of her life. Her refusal to comply with societal expectations of class and gender place her at odds with all.
At the same time the viewer sees that Oharu truly tries to change herself in order to fit with the society. Unfortunately, the viewer sees as Oharu fails time after time. It can be a depressing film, but at the same time it could be a powerful film to expose the hypocrisy and social structures that empower a male dominated elitist society. A truly remarkable film for its time that continues to expose how little we have advanced as a society.
This is a film I hope to re-watch and explore more in depth the male gaze and Buddhist themes of impermanence, arhats and compassion.
SPOILERS I have yet to see Sansho, but whereas Ugetsu is mesmerizing in a tragic way, Oharu is unrelenting on the tragic developments in her life. Oharu has no way of escaping the feudal and aristocratic imposed rules of society from her youth to her old age. At every turn, her life outcome is outside of her hands. The patriarchal values of male strength, authoritarianism and honor at all costs thwart any chances of Oharu having control over her life.
The long shots keep the viewer from making the narrative too personal and at the same time indict the viewer for any preconceived notions he/she holds about the life of prostitution. One sees the tragedy of true love unfulfilled and rejected by society as it reverberates through the rest of her life. Her refusal to comply with societal expectations of class and gender place her at odds with all.
At the same time the viewer sees that Oharu truly tries to change herself in order to fit with the society. Unfortunately, the viewer sees as Oharu fails time after time. It can be a depressing film, but at the same time it could be a powerful film to expose the hypocrisy and social structures that empower a male dominated elitist society. A truly remarkable film for its time that continues to expose how little we have advanced as a society.
This is a film I hope to re-watch and explore more in depth the male gaze and Buddhist themes of impermanence, arhats and compassion.
Tell Your Friends