Flowing

Flowing is an evocative gem hailing from the golden age of Japanese cinema in 1956. Directed by the highly esteemed Mikio Naruse and featuring a star-studded ensemble including the brilliant Kinuyo Tanaka, Isuzu Yamada, and Hideko Takamine, this drama captures a defining, poignant, and transformative period in Japanese history while exploring universal themes of resilience, companionship and the inevitable force of time.

Set in the bustling city of Tokyo, specifically in the Yoshiwara district, Flowing chronicles the daily life and struggles within TSUTA – an aging, once-illustrious Geisha house, now struggling to keep its head above water in the rapidly modernizing Japan of the post-war era. These red lantern districts, hitherto the epitome of style, culture, and entertainment, find themselves facing an existential crisis as Western ways and a rising middle class affect the once-revered Geisha profession.

The movie frames Kinuyo Tanaka in the pivotal role of Tsutayakko or 'Tsuta', the owner of the Geisha house, who is desperately trying to uphold this traditional institution against the relentless tide of modernity. Her staunch character shows a remarkable representational contrast between an unyielding older generation hanging onto tradition and a new generation being swept away with the currents of change.

Isuzu Yamada plays the character of Koken, a slightly worn-out and cynical Geisha, further stretching the portrayal of the house's financial and societal struggles. As someone who has been on the scene for quite a while and has seen the rise and fall of the Geisha institution, her perspective offers a unique and further deepens the complex narrative.

Hideko Takamine, another incredible talent, brilliantly portrays the character of 'Kin', the house's young and innocent maid, who adds emotional depth and contrast to the story, representing the evanescent youth and its potential future.

The script so beautifully unfolds the individual story of each resident, employee, and geisha of the Tsuta house, creating a tapestry of varying personas, each struggling with their personal fears, hopes, and dreams amidst the overarching struggle of the house and its uncertain future.

In true Naruse style, Flowing is a celebration of melodrama, stirring strong emotions by portraying conflict and struggle with compelling authenticity. Naruse's masterful storytelling and keen eye for detail paint a vivid, emotional landscape such that you feel as if you are roaming the corridors of the Tsuta house, feeling the ancient prestige of this house and surveying the shadows of its past glory amidst its current struggles.

Naruse’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances by the leading actresses, embodies the ethos of 'Mono no Aware' – a hallmark of Japanese aesthetics depicting the beauty of transient and ephemeral things. It’s an emotional response to life, appreciating beauty in every stage, even in decline.

Among the themes explored in the movie, those of survival, companionship, and resilience are particularly notable. The film depicts how despite mounting uncertainty and difficulty, the women unitedly confront their struggle, looking out for each other, and finding small joys within their challenging circumstances.

Flowing also shines for its technical proficiency. Every shot is executed with precision, and the black-and-white cinematography adds depth and texture to the narrative. The traditional Geisha music is expertly used to highlight and deepen the audiences' emotional response to key scenes.

In conclusion, Flowing is a feast for the senses and the spirit. It embarks on an immersive journey into a world fading into the ravines of time, wrapping it with a surreal sense of beauty and nostalgia. The viewers get to peer into a bygone era through the windows of Tsuta house and can’t help but feel a sense of loss for an evaporating culture, yet the spirit of resilience shown by these women can't help but evoke a sense of admiration and perhaps a flicker of hope.

An undisputed classic of Japanese cinema that stands amongst the best of Mikio Naruse's illustrious oeuvre, Flowing is a film that is set at a unique cultural crossroads. Its portrayal of a place and time in transition resonates strongly with viewers, drawing them further into the captivating world Naruse has crafted with such delicate detail and lived-in authenticity. It is a must-watch for enthusiasts of Japanese cinema and a landmark film from one of the pre-eminent directors of his time.