"Life of Oharu" is an extensive 2.5 hour film, but an excellent one! This 1952, black and white film is based on a story about a Japanese female, daughter of the royal class, who falls in love with a samurai (lower class). When they are caught, the daughter is thrown into prostitution by her very own father. She continues to look for love but endures a harsh life full of sadness and shame.
This movie is a great drama that exhibits a part of Japanese's history and lifestyle. Various cultural elements that can be used to educate students in "Life of Oharu". Through this film, students can get a glimpse of Japanese royalty, families, traditions, concubines, prostitution, power, class difference, love and so on. If shown to students, I would recommend "Life of Oharu" for older high school students.