Viewed on DVD. Far from a classic. Inferior script and direction--it seems to have confused gold diggers with Geishas. Muddy sight and sound (although the print seems to have been restored significantly). Sound is so bad that dialogue is about 95% unintelligible (even for those who can understand a bit of Japanese)--but subtitles are clear and concise. Shot like a stage play with predominance of medium and long shots (there are, maybe, 2-3 close-ups showing what the actors really look like!). "Exterior" shots look phony and likely to have been shot on a sound stage. Film ends abruptly--money problems or saving the rest for a sequel? This film is more a historical curiosity than entertainment. However, restoration enthusiasts should consider adding it to their "things to do" list. The film is historic and could greatly benefit from further restoration efforts. I encourage the film restoration community to give this film further consideration. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.
Review of Sisters of the Gion
Sisters of the Gion
(1936)
Primitive Even By Past Contemporary Standards. However ... .
29 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers