01 Kinuyo Tanaka features in this drama about a pioneering surgeon's wife and mother who compete to support his risky medical experiments.
Directed by Yasuzō Masumura · 1h 39m
6 Best Kinuyo Tanaka Movies
By Vlad Zakh · February 3, 2026
Drama intensethought provoking
Kinuyo Tanaka became one of Japanese cinema’s defining tragic heroines through her work with director Kenji Mizoguchi, bringing devastating emotional depth to stories of suffering and endurance. Sansho the Bailiff sells an exiled noblewoman’s children into slavery, Ugetsu and The Life of Oharu are other Mizoguchi highlights, A Geisha navigates the postwar economics of her profession, Sandakan No. 8 uncovers the history of Japanese women trafficked overseas, and The Wife of Seishu Hanaoka supports a surgeon’s risky experiments.
01 
02 A young geisha and her mentor deal with the exploitative economics of their profession in postwar Kyoto.
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi · 1h 25m
03 A researcher uncovers the harrowing history of Japanese women trafficked into overseas brothels.
Directed by Kei Kumai · 2h 02m
Where to watch
Stream: Criterion Channel
Stream: Criterion Channel
04 A noblewoman's children are sold into slavery and forced labour after their family is torn apart.
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi · 2h 04m
Where to watch
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Buy: Apple TV Store
Rent or buy: Apple TV Store
05 Kinuyo Tanaka features in this ghost story about two peasant men who chase wealth and glory during wartime and bring ruin on the wives who love them.
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi · 1h 36m · Rated NR
Where to watch
Stream: HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Rent or buy: Apple TV Store, Amazon Video
Rent or buy: Apple TV Store
06 Kinuyo Tanaka plays a woman whose life spirals into ruin and degradation after a forbidden love affair.
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi · 2h 16m
Where to watch
Stream: Criterion Channel
Stream: Criterion Channel
Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.
You might also like
