First of two parts shows Gosho's sensitive hand with story and character, though the technique of Japanese sound film making still lacks assurance.
The two girls accompany a couple of visitors at the lakeside resort. Takamine has found her ideal mate Uehara, though her father wants her to marry a diplomat. They can't push ahead with the marriage because he has a two year posting to France.
Back in Tokyo Tanaka (a particularly appealing performance) is a product of the new liberal Japan and exchanges visits with Sano, though his mother forbids such activity as contrary to the tradition of his late father. Things don't work out well there in the cliff hanger ending to part one.
The picture of Japan is striking mixing rickshaws and telephones, kimonos and western clothing and furnishings and where Meiji chocolate is still a novelty and a photo of Elizabeth Bergner on the wall draws comment. A few of the players who will have a large profile in Japanese cinema make appearances.
