Какэкоми (2015)

"Kakekomi Onna to Kakedashi Otoko" is a Japanese drama film directed by Masato Harada in 2015. The film's title roughly translates to "The Running-Away Woman and the Quitting Man". The plot centers around a young woman named Otama who finds herself trapped in a male-dominated society during the Edo period. She seeks refuge in a unique institution called "Kakekomi", a safe haven for women who want to escape troubled marriages or difficult situations. However, to enter the establishment, one must secure a "kakekomi" slot by convincing a male relative to become a "kakedashi" (a man who quits his family) to take their place. Otama, with the help of a former samurai who becomes a kakedashi, successfully enters the institution and finds camaraderie with the other women. The film explores themes of gender roles, societal restrictions, and the importance of human connection. "Kakekomi Onna to Kakedashi Otoko" is an excellent period drama that tackles relevant issues that are still present in modern society.