The Sea Is Watching

[Foxbat]

Directed by Kei Kumai
Starring Misa Shimizu
Nagiko Tono
Written in 1993 by Akira Kurosawa (from the novel by Shugoro Yamamoto)
Filmed 2002

The Sea Is Watching is the story of O-Shin, a Geisha who falls in love with a young Samurai. He hopes to cleanse her of the sins of her profession but, ultimately, breaks her heart. In the aftermath, life gradually returns to normal within the house and O-Shin resumes her duties. Until, that is, another man enters her life and it seems that he too will be lost to her as a massive storm threatens to engulf the village.

This film is a simple tale of love and sacrifice but beautifully brought to the screen with all the colour and chic that you would expect from a Japanese period piece. Fine acting from all the cast means that you really begin to care about the characters and their fates.

Haunting, colourful and tender – I think Kurosawa would have been pleased with the results.
8 out of 10