Watch The Rose on His Arm

The Rose on His Arm is a 1956 Japanese drama film directed by Nagisa Oshima, starring Akira Ishihama, Katsuo Nakamura, and Sadako Sawamura. Set in post-World War II Japan, the film tells the story of two brothers, Isamu and Minoru, who become involved with a nightclub singer named Keiko. Isamu, the elder brother, is a successful businessman with a wife and child, but is deeply unhappy with his life. He becomes infatuated with Keiko after seeing her perform at a nightclub, and begins to spend all his time and money on her. Keiko is initially hesitant to become involved with Isamu due to his marital status, but eventually gives in to his advances.

Minoru, the younger brother, is a university student who is more politically active and socially aware than his brother. He is dating a young woman named Tomoko, who is involved in leftist student groups. Minoru is initially unsympathetic to Isamu's infatuation with Keiko, but becomes increasingly troubled as he witnesses Isamu's deteriorating mental state.

As Isamu becomes more and more obsessed with Keiko, he becomes paranoid and unpredictable. He begins having violent outbursts and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Keiko tries to distance herself from him, but Isamu becomes more aggressive and possessive.

Meanwhile, Minoru becomes more involved in political activism, attending protests and meetings. His relationship with Tomoko becomes strained as she becomes more committed to her political work and less interested in their relationship. Minoru's experiences with political repression and police brutality make him increasingly disillusioned with Japanese society.

As Isamu's behavior becomes more extreme, he begins to alienate everyone around him, including his wife and child. Keiko finally decides to break off their relationship after Isamu becomes physically violent with her. Isamu becomes more and more isolated, finally committing a terrible act of violence that shocks everyone around him.

The Rose on His Arm is a powerful and emotionally intense film that explores themes of love, obsession, and political disillusionment. The performances by the three leads are exceptional, particularly Ishihama's portrayal of Isamu's descent into madness. Oshima's direction is masterful, utilizing symbolism and visual motifs to reinforce the film's themes.

Overall, The Rose on His Arm is a must-see film for fans of Japanese cinema and anyone interested in postwar Japan. It is a haunting and unforgettable portrayal of a society struggling to come to terms with the trauma of war and the challenges of modernization.