Flowing

Flowing captures the struggles of Otsuta, who manages the geisha house Tsuta in Tokyo, as she faces significant financial challenges. The film highlights the evolving role of geishas through the eyes of her daughter, Katsuyo, who is disillusioned with the future of their trade. As Otsuta strives to maintain the legacy of her business, the narrative provides a glimpse into the daily lives of geishas outside of their roles as entertainers.

The film features a strong cast including Kinuyo Tanaka, Isuzu Yamada, and Hideko Takamine. With a runtime of 117 minutes, Flowing is based on a novel and intricately weaves the themes of motherhood, ambition, and the complexities of life as a geisha in a changing society. This film is a significant entry in the oeuvre of director Mikio Naruse, known for his poignant storytelling and character-driven narratives.