The Life of Oharu

"One of the ten greatest films in the history of cinema."--DEREK MALCOLM Much bleaker in tone than films such as Ugetsu or Sansho the Bailiff, The Life of Oharu was Mizoguchi's personal favorite. The Life of Oharu is an uncomprimising, emblematic portrayal of one woman's life in a world dominated by men. Set in the 17th century, the story follows the young Oharu as she becomes a concubine, given by her father to a feudal lord looking to have a child. When the child is born, she's returned to her father, who then sells her into prostitution. (133 mins., 35mm)