The Oil Merchant's Wife Poster

The Oil Merchant's Wife 2009

95 min📅 2009-05-23

In 2009, director Shinobu Sakagami reimagined Chikamatsu Monzaemon's timeless puppet theater classic through a fresh human lens in *The Oil Merchant's Wife*.

Director: Shinobu Sakagami

Cast

Nozomi Fujikawa
Okiku
Kinuo Yamada
Kinuo Yamada
Okichi
Shingo Yasuda
Yohee
Yûrei Yanagi
Yûrei Yanagi
Shōhei Hino
Shōhei Hino

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Oil Merchant's Wife (2009) about?

This drama reexamines the tragic tale of a merchant's household through the eyes of the wife, whose husband's reckless debts ensnare her in a web of scandal and betrayal. As the story unfolds, she's pulled between family honor and her own desires, leading to heartrending consequences.

Who directed The Oil Merchant's Wife?

Shinobu Sakagami wrote and directed this bold reinterpretation of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's classic tale.

Who stars in The Oil Merchant's Wife?

The film features standout performances by Nozomi Fujikawa as the wife, Shingo Yasuda as the reckless heir, and Yûrei Yanagi as a key supporting character.

Is The Oil Merchant's Wife (2009) worth watching?

As an unrated drama, *The Oil Merchant's Wife* offers a gripping, atmospheric take on a timeless story. Its emotional depth and strong performances make it compelling for fans of period dramas, even if it lacks mainstream recognition.

How long is The Oil Merchant's Wife?

The runtime of *The Oil Merchant's Wife (2009)* is 95 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Oil Merchant's Wife (2009): A Forgotten Woman's Fight in a World of Scandal and Debt

In 2009, director Shinobu Sakagami reimagined Chikamatsu Monzaemon's timeless puppet theater classic through a fresh human lens in *The Oil Merchant's Wife*. Unlike prior adaptations that centered on the tragic romance between the merchant's son and a courtesan, this version shifts focus to the overlooked woman behind the facade of wealth and scandal. Nozomi Fujikawa delivers a powerhouse performance as the titular wife, navigating a world where duty clashes with desire, and loyalty crumbles under the weight of debt and deception.

Set against Japan's elegant yet morally treacherous merchant class, the film weaves a haunting drama of obsession and sacrifice, where every smile hides a knife. With its lush cinematography and emotionally raw storytelling, *The Oil Merchant's Wife (2009)* breathes new life into a 300-year-old tale, making it a compelling watch for fans of period dramas and psychological depth alike.