In 19th century Japan, the renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai, known for his stunning prints and paintings, finds himself immersed in both an artistic and personal struggle. As Hokusai’s life progresses, his ambitions and unwavering desire to create push him to explore the boundaries of his art while facing the challenges of everyday life. From his modest home in Edo, we delve into a vibrant world filled with women, landscapes, and supernatural beings, all captured in his work.
The film not only focuses on his art but also explores his family relationships, particularly with his daughter Oei, who shares his passion for painting. Through their interactions, the tensions of their complex relationship are revealed, marked by love, admiration, and a mutual desire for recognition. As Hokusai confronts loss and the pressures of the society of his time, he also finds himself questioning his legacy and the meaning of true artistic greatness.
With a visual style that reflects the aesthetics of ukiyo-e, the film presents a rich palette of colors and a poetic narrative, guiding the viewer through the life of this master of the brush. In the end, the story reminds us that art is a reflection of life itself, filled with passion, pain, and beauty, inviting us to find our own path in this vast creative world.