A dying musician, a devoted nurse, and a love that dares not speak its name—postwar Japan's most devastating romance.
Akiko Hojo, a nurse at Aisei Catholic Hospital, is spending another public holiday at Kotaro Hidaka's house. Hidaka, who is a poor musician suffers from tuberculosis, feels an unbearable love for Akiko, who takes great care of him during his visits. Because of his worries about his illness he doesn't want Akiko to be as unhappy as he is. Akiko loves Hidaka but there was one question. Is it because one side of Akiko has the essence of a woman living in an era when she's alone? Or, maybe it's because she nods to the reality of life...
Acting
Hideko Takamine's eyes do what dialogue cannot.
Cinematography
Shadows and sickbeds—every frame aches with restraint.
Direction
Saeki lets silences scream louder than any score.
Director
Kiyoshi Saeki
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
JP
