The Temple of Wild Geese
(Gan no tera)

Satoko had been the mistress of a famous painter, reputed for his paintings of wild geese. After his death, in accordance with the wishes of the dead man, she goes to live at the temple of a buddhist priest named Jikai. Jinen, a young man who is the son of a poor peasant, has also been taken into the temple by the monk as an apprentice. A strange relationship developes among the three of them : Jikai, in love with Satoko, plunges deeper and deeper into debauchery. He mistreats his young apprentice, who is responsible for taking care of ail the chores. Satoko is at first intrigued, and then attracted by this taciturn young man. One night, when Jikai is away, she goes to Jinen’s bedroom. Jikai never returns from his trip. His funeral is performed at the temple and Jinen is obliged to assume the duties of the departed priest. The ceremony goes smoothly, but they notice that the coffin is strangely heavy…