A wife in an unhappy marriage is accused of killing her husband during mountain climbing. The first two-thirds of the movie goes between current (1961) time and flashbacks to earlier times. The last third is almost all current. Based on a novel.
I spent the first half of the movie trying to determine if she was innocent or guilty until that became less important. Ayako Wakao plays the lead character. One of the best Japanese actresses of the 1960's & 1970's and gives a performance here that surpasses many academy award winners. At times things get a bit emotional as I was drawn in not only to her situation but her possible love interest and his fiance. The story unfolds as the movie goes on. It begins with the question of her guilt or innocence but a number of other questions develop along the way.
This really is an outstanding movie. It doesn't follow any simple trajectory. It is a straight drama. Definitely a bit dark. The acting performances are excellent. The cinematography is focused on the characters whereby the locations are merely a background used only as a point of reference. If you are looking for an engaging drama, I highly recommend this film!
