You are here:

The Ball at the Anjo House

The Ball at the Anjo House

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

1947

Director

Kōzaburō Yoshimura

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a sophisticated character study that critiques the decline of aristocracy and traditional authority. Its strength lies in its thematic deconstruction of social hierarchies and the embrace of moral complexity over rigid codes of honor. However, the work remains limited by its historical setting, resulting in a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. The narrative focuses on traditional social transgressions rather than specific queer identities, and the cast remains ethnically uniform.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Ball at the Anjo House have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film touches on repressed desires and the tension between public and private life, but it does not explicitly depict non-straight relationships or intimate moments between same-sex partners.

How does The Ball at the Anjo House portray gender?

Fair

The narrative offers a nuanced look at restrictive gender roles within the samurai hierarchy. It highlights the friction when women navigate domestic propriety, challenging the passive feminine stereotype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ball at the Anjo House?

Limited

The cast is ethnically homogeneous, reflecting the historical context of post-war Japan. While this avoids whitewashing, the film does not actively engage in diversifying ethnic identities.

How does The Ball at the Anjo House represent religion and culture?

Good

The film excels at critiquing rigid class hierarchies and the decay of the aristocratic class. It deconstructs absolute morality by highlighting the conflict between duty and personal desire.

Does The Ball at the Anjo House include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters with disabilities are not used as central figures or tools for character development.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a nuanced critique of restrictive gender roles and patriarchal stability.
  • Deconstructs rigid class hierarchies and the decay of traditional feudalism.
  • Explores complex, relativistic morality through the conflict of duty and personal desire.

Limited or Absent

  • Needs explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight intimacy.
  • Features an ethnically homogeneous cast with no engagement in racial diversity.
  • Provides no focus or character development regarding disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After Japan's defeat in the war, the Anjo family lose their peerage and wealth. Since their mansion is due to pass into the hands of a creditor, the family holds one last ball before leaving.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.