Appassionata
This story is based on the novel "Jo no mai" by Tomiko Miyao which is based on the life of painter Shōen Uemura (1875–1949), the first woman to be awarded the Order of Culture. The title refers to the masterpiece bijinga ("picture of a beautiful woman") that Uemura painted at the age of 61. The main character, Tsuya Shimamura, is born in Kyoto as the second daughter of a tea trader who dies before her birth. Tsuya, who loves painting more than anything and is hopeless at housework, attends art school and at age 15 receives the name Shōsui (from the characters for "pine" and "green") from her teacher. The crown prince of England purchases one of her works, propelling her to fame overnight. The novel portrays the remainder of her stormy life, during which she is impregnated by her teacher and raises a fatherless child; through it all she devotes herself to her painting, undaunted.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 19th-century Italy, a young peasant woman, Anna, is subjected to a brutal rape by her landlord's son. The event profoundly impacts her life, leading to a complex and often disturbing relationship with her husband, who tries to understand and come to terms with the trauma she has endured. The film explores themes of sexuality, social class, and the psychological aftermath of sexual violence.
Critical Reception
Appassionata received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics acknowledging its ambitious exploration of difficult themes and its strong performances, particularly from Johanna Ter Steege. However, some found the film's explicit nature and narrative choices to be challenging or unsettling.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its courageous and unflinching portrayal of a woman's trauma and resilience.
- Noted for strong central performances, especially Johanna Ter Steege's.
- Some found the film's explicit content and challenging narrative difficult to engage with.
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Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Appassionata', is Italian for 'passionate' and is also famously the subtitle of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 23.
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