With Beauty and Sorrow (1965)

In the shadowy recesses of his past, acclaimed writer Ôki had a tumultuous love affair with the then 16-year-old Otoko, a relationship that ended in the double tragedy of a stillborn child and their subsequent separation. Decades later, Ôki, now a celebrated author, is haunted by this love story, which has ironically fueled his literary success. Meanwhile, Otoko, ensnared by the dual trauma of her past, has sought solace in art, blossoming into a renowned painter and finding comfort in the arms of her student and lover, the ethereal Keiko. However, the specter of their shared past still lurks in the recesses of her heart, shaping her life in ways she never anticipated. 24 years after their separation, their paths cross again when Ôki, drawn by the ghost of their past, ventures from Tokyo to Kyoto to meet Otoko. Their reunion is a dance of politeness, tinged with unspoken emotions and hidden scars. Keiko, driven by her love for Otoko and a thirst for retribution, hatches a complex plan. She decides to seduce Ôki, bear his child, and present the baby to Otoko - hoping this might heal her lover's lingering wounds. But vengeance forms a crucial part of her scheme. She secretly courts Ôki's son, leading him into a web of deceit that culminates in a tragic boating accident, in which she narrowly escapes death. With Beauty and Sorrow is a haunting tale of love, loss, and revenge, where the past and present intertwine in a dance as intricate and captivating as life itself.

With Beauty and Sorrow is a drama movie featuring Kaoru Yachigusa and directed by Masahiro Shinoda.

With Beauty and Sorrow is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.