A countess chooses agony over anesthesia—what's the secret worth more than pain?
In the Meiji era, Countess Kibune must undergo surgery to save her life, but she refuses to receive anesthesia because she is afraid to reveal a secret. She asks a young doctor, Takamine, to operate on her without anesthesia.
Acting
Sayuri Yoshinaga's silent screams speak louder than dialogue.
Cinematography
Candlelit close-ups that make agony look like art.
Direction
Tamasaburō Bandō's kabuki-trained eye for controlled hysteria.
Director
Tamasaburō Bandō V
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
JP
