The Criterion Channel has a new “Directed by Kinuyo Tanaka” collection. I had seen many of her performances but not any of the films she directed. I started with “Forever a Woman” and was blown away. It is strikingly feminist, emotionally affecting, and formally impressive. Tanaka’s journey to becoming a director is also very interesting and worth reading about. In a lot of ways, I was reminded of our viewing and discussion of Ida Lupino’s films.
Going through this collection feels like filling in a major gap in my journey through Japanese cinema. I hope there is a Tanaka box set on the horizon!