Princess Yang-Kwei Fei (Yôhiki)
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
Written by Ching Doe, Matsutarô Kawaguchi, Yoshikata Yoda, and Masashige Narusawa
1955/Japan/Hong Kong
Daiei Studios/Shaw Brothers
First viewing/Hulu
“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.” ― Charles de Gaulle
Mizoguchi’s first color film features another tale of female suffering and sacrifice, this time in 8th Century China.
The story begins with a scene of the aged Emperor Xuan Zong (Masayuki Mori) reflecting on his life and pining for the eponymous heroine. We then segue into the flashback which lasts for almost all of the film.
The emperor spends his time grieving over the loss of his favorite wife and composing music. A General from the Yang family thinks he can capitalize on the situation. He spots a distant relative (Machiko Kyô) working as a scullery maid and after cleaning her up finds she has a striking resemblance to the dead wife. Not consulting her desires, she is immediately packed off to the palace.
The emperor is less than enthusiastic but discovers that the girl is a decent human who doesn’t like the situation any more than he does. He then falls in love with her and marries her. She receives the title of Princess and her greedy relatives all get positions at court.
The emperor and princess enjoy some hours of pleasant company before tragedy strikes. The army works up a great rage against the corrupt officials from the Yang family. Can the emperor protect his beloved princess?
This looks good and is well acted. I can’t think of much else to say. I did feel a lot of sympathy for the leads so it worked pretty well on me.
