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Plot
In the heart of medieval Japan, nestled at the foot of a towering cliff rests a tenement complex, a sprawling labyrinth of despair that appears as nothing more than a forsaken rubbish heap to the untrained eye. This is the dominion of the aging Rokubei, his youthful wife Osugi, and her uncle. They are the unwavering rulers of this grim territory, whose residents consist of a motley crew of societal outcasts and individuals who tiptoe along the blurry lines of the law.
Despite their circumstances, these tenants form a tight-knit community, anchored in their shared melancholy. They are the forgotten souls who have come to accept that their existence will remain a stagnant pool of misery within this complex. However, the landlords, far from compassionate, offer them a twisted solace, promising a favorable reincarnation for good deeds performed within their crumbling kingdom.
The arrival of Kahei, a cryptic elder fondly dubbed Grandpa, infuses a flicker of hope into this bleak landscape. His captivating tales of an unseen world beyond the complex's confines rekindle the dormant dreams of a better life amongst the inhabitants.
In the midst of this desolation, a forbidden love story unfolds. Sutekichi, a thief who has risen to an unspoken leadership amongst the tenants, harbors a clandestine affair with Osugi, even as his heart begins to yearn for her innocent younger sister, Okaya. Oblivious to Sutekichi's growing affection, Okaya continues her labors within the tenement, under her sister's vigilant scrutiny.
As the complexities of their intertwined destinies unravel, Osugi finds herself entrapped in the throes of jealousy. Meanwhile, Sutekichi navigates the treacherous path of love and betrayal, all while balancing his own ambitions. As the narrative unfurls, it becomes clear that each character is willing to sacrifice the other in their desperate pursuit of personal fulfillment, painting a vivid portrait of life's harsh realities in the depths of this Japanese slum.
Where to watch The Lower Depths?
The Lower Depths is a drama movie featuring Toshirō Mifune.
The Lower Depths is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.