A Story Written with Water
dir. Yoshishige Yoshida · 1965
Feature
Identity Crisis
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
muted color palette with intimate close-ups
Structure
non-linear, intertwining past and present
Plot
Shizuo discovers a mysterious letter about his fiancé Yumiko, which prompts him to explore his sexual psychology and memories. His childhood and adult life unfold simultaneously, and he feels increasingly obligated to choose between mother and fiancé. Whichever choice he makes, it seems one will rule out the other.
Why watch
Shizuo finds a letter that unravels the complexities of his relationship with his fiancé Yumiko, forcing him to confront his past and the weight of his choices. As he navigates the intertwining threads of his childhood and adult life, the film immerses viewers in a world of emotional turmoil and introspection.
Talking points
- the impact of familial expectations on personal choice
- the nature of memory and identity
- the psychological effects of love and obligation
Cultural context
post-war Japanese societyshifting gender rolespsychological exploration in cinema