You are here:

The Affair

Name: The Affair
Director: Yoshishige Yoshida
Released: 1967
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

1967

Director

Yoshishige Yoshida

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Yoshishige Yoshida’s film is a nuanced exploration of individual empowerment that challenges established social norms. By focusing on the female experience and rejecting traditional domestic stability, the film disrupts conventional gender roles through psychological complexity. The film stands out for its culturally authentic representation and its deconstruction of rigid moral absolutes. Using the Japanese New Wave style, it prioritizes subjective truth over conventional structures. Despite its strengths, the film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or disability narratives, which could provide further depth.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Affair have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship and the psychological impact of an unsatisfying marriage. While it doesn't include explicit LGBTQ identities, it questions the sanctity of marriage based on straight-centered expectations.

How does The Affair portray gender?

Good

Female characters play a central role in driving the story, showing strong ability to act as they evolve and reject traditional expectations of female submissiveness. Their journey highlights the importance of personal choice and independence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Affair?

Fair

The film showcases a predominantly Japanese cast reflecting the post-war urban landscape. It offers an authentic depiction of Japanese identity during a time of significant social change.

How does The Affair represent religion and culture?

Excellent

Yoshida employs a fragmented narrative to challenge Western-influenced social structures. The film emphasizes individual psychological freedom over maintaining traditional institutions such as the nuclear family.

Does The Affair include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Strong female characters and thematic depth.
Authentic portrayal of Japanese identity in a specific historical context.
Challenging traditional familial and social hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

No explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth relationships.
No representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

As a young woman, Oriko condemned her widowed mother for openly pursuing relationships with younger men. After her mother passes away, she finds herself in an unhappy, loveless marriage and begins to understand her mother’s actions.

How are these scores produced? →