SETTING: Toward the end of the 17th century

LOCATION: Kyoto and other places

SYNOPSIS:
ISHUN, the Grand Scroll-maker of Kyoto, is entrusted with the scroll-making and decoration in the Palace and though a commoner, is allowed to wear a sword as samurai are, and is afforded a rank in officialdom. He is granted a monopoly in the issuing of calendars and earns a substantial income from this source. ISHUN is extremely arrogant, and OSAN, his young wife in a second marriage, is spending every day amidst dissatisfaction and frustration. When her elder brother DOKI, suffering from the load of borrowed money, pleads OSAN for help, she asks store clerk MOHEI to help out. MOHEI attempts to abuse the master's seal in secret, but is caught in the act by SUKEEMON, chief clerk. But MOHEI takes the blame entirely on himself and does not mention a word about OSAN. OTAMA, a maid-servant who loves MOHEI, claims that MOHEI has attempted the theft for her sake. This causes the anger of ISHUN who has been trying to win the of attention of OTAMA, and he orders MOHEI to be locked out. A scheme of OSAN to try to catch ISHUN in the act of infidelity backfires on her and she is suspected of relationships with MOHEI. The two escape from the house and flee all the way to Lake Biwa. There MOHEI confesses to OSAN his love and affection for her and the two become closely tied. ISHUN fearing the ill reputation and blemish to result for his family name, makes every effort to capture OSAN and bring her back. But the two flee their pursuers and when finally caught, are lead to their execution grounds without a trace of regret or penitence.

NOTES:
This film is based on a play written by the famous playwright, CHIKAMATSU MONZAEMON (1653-1724). Instead of the usual story of illicit intercourse by a couple and elopement, the loyalty and devotion of store clerk and the desire for revenge by a young housewife upon her flirtatious husband combine to cause a misunderstanding leading the two involved into a hopeless situation. When all hope seems lost, the two confess their love for each other. The minute planning and arrangement of structure and presentation of the detailed performances are blended into a top-rated achievement. This is regarded as the masterpiece among masterpieces by MIZOGUCHI KENJI.