Midwinter Camellia, Kantsubaki, 寒椿 (1992) dir. Yasuo Furuhata

Yasuo Furuhata directs this romantic yakuza flick based on a book by popular romance novelist Tomiko Miyao. Set in 1932, the film centers on Peony (Yoko Minamino), a geisha who was forced into the business at a young age by her dissipated father. A terrific romantic melodrama from director Furuhata with a strong story, compelling characters, unexpected plot twists and an thrilling, bloodsoaked swordfight for a climax. Everyone, good guy and bad guy, star or bit player alike, is granted little character quirks to distinguish them.