Presented in partnership with Fresh Perspectives, our young film programmers’ group.

Woman of Tokyo/ Ozu/ 1933/ 45 mins/ subtitles/ 12

Chikako works day and night to pay for her young brother, Ryoichi’s, university expenses. As the wage from her office job does not cover the costs, Chikako also works as a prostitute during the night, which Ryoichi is unaware of. When his girlfriend, whose brother is a policeman, finds out about Chikako's double life the situation spirals out of control. 

We will also be joined by a Guest Speaker - details to be announced soon.

The BFI's Too Much: Melodrama on Film project is possible with support of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery to bring this project to more audiences across the UK is possible with support of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery to bring this project to more audiences across the UK

Heightened emotions, sideways glances and strong shadows, drive the emotional and expressive weight in these Japanese melodramas

Conflicts between the modern and traditional where displays of respect and decency are expected. These films capture where dress codes shift, and women’s values and freedom are challenged.

Other screenings as part of this special programme:

• Floating Clouds (Naruse) Tuesday 25 November
• When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (Naruse) Tuesday 2 December
• No Regrets for our Youth (Kurosawa) Tuesday 9 December
• Maborosi (Koreeda) Tuesday 16 December