Yearning (1993): cast, story & where to watch
1993 · Film
Released in 1993, Yearning is a drama film directed by Tamasaburo Bando, running about 98 minutes.
What it’s about. Famed onnagata (a man who plays women's parts in Kabuki) Tamasaburo Bando follows up on the success of his directorial debut, Gekashitsu, with this soft-focused romance about love and obligation, based on a novel by Kafu Nagai. Set during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Kaede (Sayuri Yoshinaga) is the former mistress of a wealthy merchant. When he dies, she is forced out on the street and forced to give up her young daughter to the merchant's family. The film opens with her working in a high-class brothel abutting Tokyo Bay. Though she has passionate affection for a drug wholesaler, whom she loves as well, Kaede is swamped with not only debts to the bordello and family obligations -- she is expected to support her parents and her sister -- but also guilt over losing her child. This pain is only increased when Kaede learns that her daughter is being abused. She does the only thing she can: She buys back her child by signing on at the brothel for a longer stint.
Who’s in it. Yearning stars Sayuri Yoshinaga as Onami, Kyoko Kataoka as Kaede, Kirin Kiki as Omatsu and Toshiyuki Nagashima as Odabe, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Yearning page.
If you liked it. Fans of Yearning tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Yearning (1993)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Yearning change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Yearning?
- Yearning stars Sayuri Yoshinaga, Kyoko Kataoka, Kirin Kiki, Toshiyuki Nagashima and Hiroyuki Nagato.
- When was Yearning released?
- Yearning was released in 1993, with a runtime of about 98 minutes.