The Insect Woman (1963)

Set amid the harsh realities of poverty-stricken rural Japan in the late 1910s, The Insect Woman traces the morally complex journey of Tome, a woman born into deprivation. Her father, Chuji, showers her with affection, even as her mother proves less steadfast. As World War II engulfs the world, Tome's survival instincts lead her into the arms of a neighbor, and she begins working at his mill while also becoming his mistress. Out of this liaison, a daughter, Nobuko, is born. Driven by an unsatisfied ambition, Tome embarks on a new life in Tokyo after an entanglement with a mill supervisor, leaving behind her daughter in the watchful care of Chuji. In the heart of Tokyo, she finds herself serving as a maid in a brothel, where she learns the ropes from the seasoned madam. Her path soon intertwines with a protective businessman, becoming his mistress and swiftly ascending the ranks to become a boss herself. As Tome's world continues to evolve, so do the lives of Chuji and Nobuko, each with their own challenges and ideas. The narrative leaves one wondering: will Tome's relentless pursuit of self-preservation ensure her perpetual comfort? Or is her luck about to change as drastically as her circumstances, like mice scurrying over her life? The Insect Woman is a profound exploration of struggle, ambition, and morality wrapped in the vivid tapestry of historical Japan.

The Insect Woman is a drama movie featuring Emiko Aizawa and directed by Shôhei Imamura.

The Insect Woman is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.