Watch Twin Sisters of Kyoto

Twin Sisters of Kyoto is a 1980 Japanese film revolving around the lives of twin sisters, Sukura and Unemi. The movie is directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi and it stars Momoe Yamaguchi as the twin sisters, Tomokazu Miura as the young lawyer they both fall in love with, and Keiko Kishi as their mother. The story takes place in post-World War II Kyoto where the two sisters live with their mother. Unemi is the wild and outgoing one while Sukura is obedient and reserved. Despite their differences, the sisters share a deep bond and always stand by each other. However, their lives take a drastic turn when they both fall in love with the same man - a young lawyer named Minoru.

Minoru is a kind-hearted man who takes an interest in both the sisters. He is working as a lawyer in the family court and is deeply affected by the cases he handles. Sukura meets Minoru first and falls in love with him, even though she knows that Unemi has expressed her interest in him as well. Unemi, on the other hand, is more flirtatious and openly expresses her feelings for Minoru. The situation becomes complicated when Minoru reciprocates both their feelings, unaware that they are twin sisters.

The film explores the sisters' love triangle as well as their individual struggles. Sukura starts to question her own identity and her passive nature, while Unemi struggles with her reckless behavior and the disapproval of their mother. Their mother, who is a traditional Japanese woman, disapproves of Unemi's wild ways and Sukura's passive nature. She is worried that their behavior will affect their reputation and their chances for a good marriage.

Apart from exploring the complex relationships between the sisters, the film also deals with the changing social norms in post-war Japan. The country is still reeling from the aftermath of the war, and people are struggling to adapt to the new way of life. Minoru's work gives us a glimpse into the issues faced by families during that time - divorce, custody battles, and child abuse. The film also touches upon the clash between traditional and modern values, as seen in the conflict between the sisters and their mother.

Twin Sisters of Kyoto is a poignant tale of love, sisterhood, and coming-of-age. It is a visual treat, with Nobuhiko Obayashi's signature style of blending surreal imagery with realistic settings. The film is shot on location in Kyoto, and the beautiful scenery adds to the film's charm. The performances of the lead actors are also noteworthy, especially Momoe Yamaguchi, who plays both the sisters with ease.

Overall, Twin Sisters of Kyoto is a must-watch for fans of Japanese cinema. The film's themes of love, family, and identity are universal, and its portrayal of post-war Japan is insightful. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that hold us together, even in the most difficult of times.