The Makioka Sisters (The Criterion Collection) (1983)

I've owned the VHS version of this movie for many years and have always enjoyed watching it. Some Westerners don't seem to like the film because the plot moves very slowly. Also, I think Americans have trouble warming up to a story revolving around an arranged marriage.

The original title of both the Tanizaki book and the movie is "Sasame Yuki" (light snow). Like the Eskimos, the Japanese have many words to describe snow, which is one of the main motifs in the movie. Even the cherry blossoms fall like snow. And one of the Makioka sisters is named Yukiko which literally means "snow child."

The dominant theme of the movie is the changing nature of the world and the loss of traditional values and culture. Like it or not, the old values make way for the newer ones. The older Makioka sisters resist the forces of change. But they gradually come to the realization that they can't live forever in the glorious past, especially given the family's declining economic fortunes. There is a sadness about his movie that I find very touching.

As is the case with many adaptations of books, much is left out in the film version. The Great Hanshin Flood is not mentioned in the movie. Also, Taeko, the youngest Makioka sister, is portrayed differently in the film. In the book she is a much more sinister character. One of the ironies is that her name means "beautiful or very fortunate child."

There are some very funny moments in the film, including the scene in a Chinese restaurant where Yukiko meets a husband candidate. Call it a matchmaker's worst nightmare.

Makioka Sisters is not for everyone. But I think those who watch it with patience and an open mind will be rewarded. It also helps that the cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful.

Update: Glad to see Criterion has come out with DVD and Blu-ray versions.

I first saw this movie when it came to Seattle in 1985 or 1986. I had been interested in Japan for a few years and when I saw this film in the theater for the first time I was in high school. The film was so good I went back to the theater two weeks later and saw it again. It takes place before Japan entered WWII, but was already sending soldiers to China and South Korea. The story revolves around four sisters, the two eldest are married and they are taking care of the two younger sisters. They are trying to find a husband for the next youngest, and the youngest has a boyfriend who isn't liked because she eloped with him when she was just 16, and was promptly found by the police and returned home. The cinematography in this film is superb, so many shots are simply breathtaking and bring tears to my eyes. Of course the beauty of the homes and costumes as well. It is a somewhat serious film, but has its lighter moments. The film draws us into a world we may never be able to witness anywhere else. I felt I was indeed in 1930s Japan and in the very rooms the film takes place in. It does help to be somewhat familiar with Japanese culture or language to enjoy this film. My interest while in high school was enough to draw me in deeply. I still get emotional when I view the opening titles sequence, which was filmed at the height of the Spring cherry blossom bloom in Kyoto, at Heian Shine, it is such a beautiful scene. Also I fell in love with Sayuri Yoshinaga, who played the sister the older sisters were trying to find a husband for. She is still acting today, most recently in Kabei Our Mother (2007). I can't recommend this film enough for anyone interested in Japan. Now that it has finally been released in the USA on DVD and Blu-Ray, I'm ordering my copy today!

Buy The Makioka Sisters (The Criterion Collection) (1983) Now

Kon Ichikawa's seldom seen film The Makioka Sisters gives a glimpse into a culture that was on its way out at the time the movie was set. The year is 1938, Japan is involved in a war that will thrust it into the modern age and the Makioka sisters, daughters of a wealthy merchant, attemt to continue their traditional existence in a rapidly changing culture.

Plot wise the film seems like an Eastern version of a Jane Austen novel. Four sisters try to carry on the traditional culture of arranged and ordered marriages as the world changes around them. Ichikawa paints colorful pictures of an idyllic Japan that is poised on the modern era.

The film is beautiful to see with its colorful depictions of the changing seasons in Japan from spring to winter. The version that I saw however left something to be desired. This film only seems to be available on VHS. The picture is quite soft and the subtitles are in white. The subtitles are often difficult to read because they blur into the background. This is an important film that is unfortunately neglected. It would be wonderful if a company like Criterion took and interest an gave us a better transfer of this film so that it could be better appreciated as it deserves to be. This is one of the last great masterpieces of one of Japan's most important directors. The film deserves better.

Read Best Reviews of The Makioka Sisters (The Criterion Collection) (1983) Here

For many years this was unavailable in any format. But now it is.

This is a good movie. A movie I love. I loved it years ago. Now I love it again.

29 of 33 people (at this moment) found this review helpful, but at that time had nothing to do with this DVD, as it was not available at that time.

Anyway it is sublime, and if you are here reading reviews just get it!

Want The Makioka Sisters (The Criterion Collection) (1983) Discount?

This is one of my favorite movies. Not just because of the beautiful scenes but of the difficulties that life has thrown to a family, how the different relations cope with the inner workings of a family in a time of great changes during the 1920's and 30's in Japan. Each of the characters has a lot of responsibilities and each has their point of view to contend with, as they try to transition from one older style of life to the new without completely casting aside the traditions of country.

Save 50% Off