Saved events

Love Letter (12A*) + Introduction by writer Jasper Sharp

Her Lens, His Story

,Barbican Cinema 1
A black and white image of a man and a woman in Japan in the 1940s

Kinuyo Tanaka’s debut feature is a marvellous post-war melodrama, following the relationship between a reserved man reunited with his former girlfriend, but with complications. 

Masayuki Mori plays Reikishi, an emotionally repressed man who makes an unusual living: translating love letters from Japanese women to American GIs they met during the Occupation. One day, Reikichi's beloved ex-girlfriend Michiko (Yoshiko Kuga) appears, needing his services.

Actor Kinuyo Tanaka, a regular star of the films of Kenji Mizoguchi, including The Life of Oharu and Ugetsu Monogatari, made a tremendous directorial debut here with Love Letter, creating a moving and constantly surprising melodrama starring Kurosawa regular Mori.

Unusually, Tanaka explores societal attitudes towards ‘fallen women’ through the eyes of the male protagonist, emphasising that it is he who needs to change rather than the vulnerable woman. This unique portrait of post-war Japanese masculinity is very rarely screened in the UK.

Tagged with: Cinema F-rated Masculinities More...

1953 Japan Dir Kinuyo Tanaka 98 min 35mm presentation

In partnership with the Japan Foundation

You might also like

Barbican Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.