Arquivo

A melodrama on a love encounter that is a metaphor of the history of Japan from 1945 through 1962. In the summer of 1945, student Shusaku arrives at the Akitsu baths to cure tuberculosis he contracted during the war. He is assisted by a chambermaid, Shinko, a young independent woman who dreams of a country free from the tradition that oppresses women. They fall in love. When they are informed of Japan?s surrender in World War II, they try suicide, but are not successful. Shusaku then decides to return home to the city. The lovers continue to meet in the 17 years following, but never establish a lasting relationship. Inspite Shusaku’ mundane existence (he is more and more cynical), Shinko is true to her love. The last of their encounters is to be marked by tragedy.