Ukifune (film)

Ukifune is a 1957 Japanese film directed by Shirō Toyoda. It is based on the final ten chapters of Murasaki Shikibu's epic novel The Tale of Genji.

The film tells the story of Ukifune, a young woman caught between two lovers: Kaoru, a pious and introspective man, and Niou, the grandson of Genji, who is handsome and passionate. Ukifune is unable to choose between them, leading to intense emotional turmoil. She is eventually driven to attempt suicide by drowning herself in the Uji River. She is rescued and becomes a nun, seeking solace and escape from the world of romantic entanglements.

Ukifune is known for its sophisticated use of color, its elegant depiction of Heian period aesthetics, and its poignant portrayal of the psychological complexities of its characters. It focuses on the themes of love, loss, spiritual longing, and the impermanence of life, which are central to the themes of The Tale of Genji. Isuzu Yamada portrays the role of Ukifune's mother, while the titular character is played by Kō Machiko.