Yoshiwara Poster

Yoshiwara 1937

★ 8.01 votes102 min📅 1937-06-23

Directed by Max Ophüls, *Yoshiwara (1937)* transports viewers to the vibrant yet shadowed streets of Tokyo's famed red-light district, where love and fate intertwine in a tale of passion and heartache.

Director: Max Ophüls

Cast

Pierre Richard-Willm
Pierre Richard-Willm
Lieutenant Serge Polenoff
Sessue Hayakawa
Sessue Hayakawa
Ysamo, Kuli
Lucienne Le Marchand
Lucienne Le Marchand
Namo
Roland Toutain
Roland Toutain
Pawlik
Michiko Tanaka
Kohana
André Gabriello
André Gabriello
Camille Bert
Camille Bert
Le commandant
Janine Darcey
Janine Darcey
Une geisha
Foun-Sen
Une geisha
Philippe Richard
Philippe Richard
L'attaché russe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoshiwara (1937) about?

Set in Tokyo's historic red-light district, *Yoshiwara* unfolds a poignant love triangle between a high-class courtesan, a Russian naval officer, and a dedicated rickshaw man. The film explores the tension between fleeting passion and enduring loyalty, all against the backdrop of 19th-century Japan's cultural and social contrasts.

Who directed Yoshiwara?

Max Ophüls directed *Yoshiwara (1937)*, bringing his signature stylish and emotionally resonant approach to this historical romance-drama.

Who stars in Yoshiwara?

The film stars Pierre Richard-Willm as the rickshaw man, Sessue Hayakawa as the Russian naval officer, and Lucienne Le Marchand as the high-class courtesan, with supporting roles from Roland Toutain and Michiko Tanaka.

Is Yoshiwara (1937) worth watching?

While *Yoshiwara* lacks an IMDb rating, its blend of romance, drama, and Max Ophüls' directing style makes it a compelling choice for fans of period films and emotional storytelling. The lush visuals and thematic depth add layers of intrigue, though historical drama enthusiasts may appreciate it most.

How long is Yoshiwara?

The film runs for 102 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive cinematic experience.

About Yoshiwara (1937) — A Love Triangle in Tokyo's Glittering Red-Light District

Directed by Max Ophüls, *Yoshiwara (1937)* transports viewers to the vibrant yet shadowed streets of Tokyo's famed red-light district, where love and fate intertwine in a tale of passion and heartache. The film follows a delicate love triangle set against the decadent backdrop of 19th-century Yoshiwara, where a high-class courtesan finds herself torn between a dashing Russian naval officer and a humble rickshaw man. With its rich visuals and emotional depth, *Yoshiwara* blends romance and drama against a backdrop of societal contrasts and forbidden desires. Pierre Richard-Willm and Sessue Hayakawa deliver captivating performances, bringing to life a story where desire clashes with duty and loyalty.

The atmosphere of *Yoshiwara (1937)* is lush and melancholic, capturing the fleeting beauty of fleeting romances within a world of fleeting pleasures. Ophüls' direction infuses the film with a poetic sensibility, highlighting the fragility of human connections in a society built on transience. Themes of love, sacrifice, and the cost of dreams resonate through the narrative, making it a poignant exploration of 19th-century Japan's cultural underbelly.