The fact that this isn’t on DVD yet is a tragedy, for this is one of Mizoguchi’s best films. The story is told in vignettes of the unfortunate life of a beautiful woman, to whom happiness can never be found. The film has intensely an Buddhist air, and is perhaps one of the most understanding films about a woman ever made. Mizoguchi can bring sadness to the screen like no one else, only he does it with such perfection, such beauty and such kindness for his characters, that one cannot help but be moved by the power of his creations.