The Makioka Sisters (1983)

Set in 1938 Japan, the film "The Makioka Sisters" traces the intricate lives of four sisters hailing from the affluent Makioka family of Osaka. Tsuruko, Sachiko, Yukiko, and Taeko, each marked by their distinct personalities, navigate their lives after the passing of their parents and the sale of their generations-old family business. As they live off their dwindling inheritance, their lives are further complicated by the decisions made by Tsuruko's husband, Tatsuo. Tsuruko, the eldest and the de facto head of the family, along with Tatsuo, still resides in Osaka, while Sachiko and her husband Teinosuke live in nearby Ashiya. The unmarried sisters, Yukiko and Taeko, shift their residence to Sachiko's after a series of incidents that began with Taeko's failed elopement attempt and a newspaper scandal, that resulted in a significant reshaping of the family dynamics. Despite the dissolution of their family business, the Makioka name continues to hold considerable influence, leading both Tatsuo and Teinosuke to adopt it. Tsuruko, as the eldest, wields power in the form of managing Yukiko and Taeko's monthly allowances and marital dowries, thus subtly controlling their future. The reserved Yukiko, yearns for a voice in choosing her own husband, whereas Taeko, the independent spirit, seeks self-reliance through her doll-making craft. As potential suitors for both sisters come and go, the process of securing suitable matches continues to influence the family dynamics, against the backdrop of Japan transitioning into a new era with the intensification of the Sino-Japanese War. The film, an exquisite portrait of pre-war aristocratic life, also serves as a metaphorical reflection of seasonal variations in Japan. Each year, the sisters congregate in Kyoto to witness the cherry blossoms, their activities parallel to the changing seasons, symbolizing both the beauty and transience of their lives. "The Makioka Sisters" is a vivid chronicle of familial bonds, societal norms, personal aspirations, and historical transition, all delicately intertwined against the lush backdrop of pre-war Japan.

The Makioka Sisters is a drama movie featuring Keiko Kishi.

The Makioka Sisters is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.