Akasen chitai (1956)

 

The personal tales of various prostitutes who occupy a brothel.

Kenji Mizuguchi's last film startles with a narrative full of subplots centered on the turmoil and sorrows of one brothel's inhabitants; lively staged with a large cast there are some strong and heart-wrenching scenes along the way.

Halliwell*: "Unremarkable material executed with the style expected of the director."

Maltin***1/2: "...sensitively handled in Mizoguchi's last completed film. Kyo is particularly memorable as a tough, cynical lady of the night; her scene with her father is a highlight."