Set in Edo during the first quarter of the 19th Century, it tells the story of O-Ei, a daughter of renowned ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai, who is herself accomplished with the brush. She assists her father when his stubbornness (or general laziness) takes him elsewhere for a time. Their relationship is often strained, in part due to various unique frustrations on both sides. O-Ei's reserved attitude to male attentions and her general lack of life experience can be seen in her work by a trained eye; if she's to evolve, to ignite the indefinable spark of genius, she'll need to step outside her boundaries.
The supernatural/folkloric side of Japanese period art isn't ignored, bringing a distinctive beauty to the work, but it's the simplicity of the quieter scenes, some without any dialogue, that really raise the drama up.
4 bridge sounds out of 5
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