Hideshi Ohi

After years on the road establishing his reputation as Japan's greatest fencer, Takezo returns to Kyoto. Otsu waits for him, yet he has come not for her but to challenge the leader of the region's finest school of fencing. To prove his valor and skill, he walks deliberately into ambushes set up by the school's followers. While Otsu waits, Akemi also seeks him, expressing her desires directly. Meanwhile, Takezo is observed by Sasaki Kojiro, a brilliant young fighter, confident he can dethrone Takezo. After leaving Kyoto in triumph, Takezo declares his love for Otsu, but in a way that dishonors her and shames him. Once again, he leaves alone.

成瀬巳喜男監督が川端康成の同名小説を映画化した原節子の代表作の一つ。鎌倉を舞台に、老境に入った男が、同居する若く美しい息子の嫁に抱く複雑な心模様を丁寧に描く。 鎌倉で息子夫婦と暮らす尾形信吾は、老いを感じ、寂しさを感じる日々を送っていた。息子・修一の浮気に耐える嫁の菊子を不びんに思う信吾は、いつしか菊子にひかれるようになるが、やがて菊子の妊娠がわかり…。