In Naruse's films, family life is often depicted as oppressive; yet the freedom seemingly available to those individuals, especially women, who have lived outside the family system is often illusory. Based on three short stories by Fumiko Hayashi, the film follows the lives of four former geishas who, after years of fending for themselves, have become rightfully suspicious of the ways of the world. A rich, probing character study, the film depicts a special kind of warmth and camaraderie that develops among four women who have learned to depend on each other for emotional support.