When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
1960, Japanese. Directed by Mikio Naruse.
The tree sprouts no matter how strong the wind blows.
Keiko, whom everyone calls Mama, narrates her story: she's a hostess on the Ginza, 30, a widow. She describes life's vicious cycle: acting cheerful around drunks, dressing and living well to convey confidence, needing money for these expenses and for her demanding mother and brother, and knowing she's growing older.
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Absolute Cinema
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8.0/10 from 131 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 January 1960.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 15 January 1960
- Original title
- 女が階段を上る時
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Ryuzo Kikushima
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: quick answers
Is When a Woman Ascends the Stairs worth watching?
Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 8.0/10 from 131 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is When a Woman Ascends the Stairs?
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs runs 111 minutes (1h 51m).
Does When a Woman Ascends the Stairs have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for When a Woman Ascends the Stairs. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for When a Woman Ascends the Stairs yet.
Which OTT platform is When a Woman Ascends the Stairs on?
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 January 1960. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like When a Woman Ascends the Stairs?
If you liked When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, try Street of Shame, Sakuran, The End of Summer.
Who directed When a Woman Ascends the Stairs?
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (1960) was directed by Mikio Naruse and stars Hideko Takamine, Masayuki Mori, Reiko Dan.