Yoshiwara (1937) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language

1937 · 102 mins · French

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Directed by

Max Ophüls

Starring

Roland Toutain, Sessue Hayakawa, Philippe Richard, Janine Darcey, Lucienne Le Marchand, Camille Bert

Adapted from Maurice Dekobra’s novel, the story unfolds in nineteenth‑century Yoshiwara, Tokyo’s famous red‑light district. It follows a passionate love triangle linking a refined high‑class courtesan, a disciplined Russian naval officer, and a humble rickshaw puller, exploring desire, honor and the clash of worlds.