the only print of chikamatus monogatari i have be able to find be abysmal i almost couldn not watch it . which be a shame a this be among the great mizoguchi film . the story which i believe have be do before and since by other japanese director be a bit straight than my favorite mizoguchi film ( sansho the bailiff and ugetsu monogatari ) and and be essentially a tale of tragic romance and in this case a transgressive romance that cross strict class boundary . a always with mizoguchi and there be an exquisitely express tone of defiance and and bad print aside i be very pleased . a with all of mizoguchi film and i be eagerly await a restored dvd release whenever that may come .