Viewed on DVD. Restoration = ten (10) stars. This is an excellent film which invites (almost "demands") repeat viewings. Always the mark of film excellence! The movie depicts the financial challenges faced by and very limited career opportunities available to urban Japanese women even in the midst of their country's remarkable economic recovery during the 1960's. Japan's persistent paternalistic culture is tightly woven into the script. Leading actress Hideko Takamine delivers a drop-dead, stunning performance. She is joined by talented supporting actresses and actors who are members of the director's stock-company family. Wide-screen, black-and-white cinematography is first rate. So is the editing. Some day-time location shots capture Tokyo as it was, while highly-detailed "exterior" studio sets may have captured Tokyo as it might have been (especially its alleyways and at night). Film score sounds original and integrates well with other component parts of the movie. Line readings are easily understood, sound is consistently clear, and subtitles are fine. What's not to like?! Highly recommended. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.
Review of When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
