Based on a short story of the same name by Mori Ogai, it told the story of two aristocratic children sold into slavery. It was often considered one of Mizoguchi's finest films, along with Ugetsu and The Life of Oharu, bearing his trademark interest in freedom, poverty and woman's place in society, and featured beautiful images and long and complicated shots. Havenite secret agent Victor Cachat liked this movie very much. (HHA4.5: F)