The Japanese drama directed by Hideo Gosha in 1987 gathered seven nominations and one award (for the Best Supporting Actress) at the Awards of the Japanese Academy. His 20th film is set around the turn of the twentieth century in Tokyo’s red light district Yoshiwara. Gosha continued his 1980’s focus on tenacious women with this mesmerizing chronicle of steadfast sex workers. Sold into a brothel by her destitute businessman father, demure ingenue Hisano (Yuko Natori) soon learns the ways of her new world from the popular establishment’s top three courtesans. Her coming of age is trial by fire as she eventually rises up the ranks, juggling lovers and her own personal drama with the turbulent escapades of her tight-knit female comrades. Bolstered by gorgeous production design and an incredible ensemble cast, Gosha brings his brash and bold style to this picture.