Undying Pearl

Fine Shimizu feature on a novel by Kan Kikuchi. We never do get the sort of happiness in that early dream of the beach... most especially not in the real-life callback. That restaurant with its silhouette window, massive table, and all those couples. Closeups tighten in the tenser moments, the oppressive confines of dark car interiors at night, etc. Held together by Emiko Yagumo's performance. About the height of her stardom at Shochiku, also shown to great advantage by Shimizu's good friend Ozu

Michiko Oikawa played the younger sister perfectly, I absolutely loathed her by the end of the film. Emiko Yagumo did well as the tragic older sister I just wish she would've stood up for herself more because people were constantly treating her like shit. Wow what a bitter sweet ending.