Young lovers on the run from poverty, the law, and tuberculosis — 1957 Japan's most devastating romance.
Junai Monogatari AKA Story of Pure Love is about two poor youths, Mitsuko and Kando, rebelling against society in various ways, who are desperately trying to be together despite tortuous circumstances. The film depicts their lives as thieves, menial laborers who can get little pay, society outcasts, and of course, lovers. Junai Monogatari depicts, mostly, their struggles within the Japanese reformatory system and Mitsuko's worsening sickness.
Direction
Imai's unflinching reformatory sequences feel like documentary horror.
Acting
Nakahara's physical deterioration is genuinely painful to witness.
Director
Tadashi Imai
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
JP
