The Road to the Spring (1955): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1955, The Road to the Spring is a drama film directed by Masanori Kakei, running about 92 minutes.

What it’s about. Kyoko is a new writer for the women's magazine "Josei no tomo" female reporter. One day, the magazine receives a letter from a reader, Ume, who, in order to support their ill father at home, was compelled to trade her body to her employer at a factory. Harboring her own grudge against her father for abandoning her and her mother, Kyoko determines to not only write about the factory girl for the magazine but also save Ume in the process. However, Kyoko's investigation forces her to confront a harsh reality while also grappling with the sudden news of her estranged father's own illness and desire to reunite.

Who’s in it. The Road to the Spring stars Ineko Arima as Hatano Kyoko, Mieko Takamine as Hatano Tsuneko, Momoko Kôchi as Ogawa Ume and Setsuko Wakayama.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, The Road to the Spring sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Road to the Spring page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Road to the Spring tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.