JAPAN · 1960

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs

Mikio Naruse
Japanese Golden Age aging and mortality economic struggle female independence social performance and authenticity family obligation
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Synopsis

Keiko, whom everyone calls Mama, narrates her story: she's a hostess on the Ginza, 30, a widow. She describes life's vicious cycle: acting cheerful around drunks, dressing and living well to convey confidence, needing money for these expenses and for her demanding mother and brother, and knowing she's growing older.

Year1960
CountryJapan
DirectorMikio Naruse
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs poster
Cinematic threads
When a Woman Ascends the StairsJapan · 1960
1 film it influenced
Carol 2015 · Todd Haynes
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