Jókihi

Yokihi recounts the Chinese legend referred to in its title. In eighth-century T'ang China, widowed Emperor Hsüan-tsung (Masayuki Mori) reigns alone, devoting his life to the composition of music. When he meets and falls in love with a beautiful young woman (Machiko Kyo), who will become his imperial concubine, a tale of political intrigue and rival dynasties is set in motion, with ultimately tragic consequences. Sumptuously filmed in vibrant colour, Yokihi is the most ancient of Mizoguchi's costume dramas, yet its central themes of passion, sorrow, and the conflict between love and power remain timeless it was also nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice. (Eureka Entertainment)