Street of Shame (1956)

In Tokyo's Yoshiwara district, Dreamland serves as a sanctuary for five resilient women of the night, their lives unfolding under the looming threat of a potential ban on prostitution. Each woman, with dreams as varied as their personalities, navigates through their personal tales of struggle and hope. Hanae, tied to the shackles of a marriage with an unemployed husband, seeks refuge in her work, all the while caring for their young child. Yumeko, a grieving widow, sacrifices her dignity to provide for her son, who is now on the brink of adulthood and capable of looking after her. The aging Yorie, although past her prime, has a suitor ready to whisk her away from the harsh realities of her profession. Yasumi, the diligent saver, yearns to repay her debts and escape her life, even though a hopeful suitor yearns for her hand in marriage. She, however, conceals other plans for him. Mickey, the seemingly nonchalant vixen, is jolted back to reality when her father arrives from Kobe bearing news of her family and a plea for her to return home. Each woman's story intertwines with the others, painting a poignant picture of resilience and longing in the face of adversity, set against the backdrop of an uncertain future.

Street of Shame is a drama movie featuring Machiko Kyō.

Street of Shame is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.