Aristocrats clearly presents a society in which “the values that segregate women are in common use.” Mobility is no longer expected in terms of class and space, and women who are “bred” within the repressive cultural climate and customs have their own values as well as clothing, food, speech, manners, and even how they take and decorate photos. Frankly, the detailed contrast of these “essential differences” makes the film quite interesting in itself. The director, however, repeatedly places specific props and actions within the narrative structure and puts great effort into making subtle changes. Among these, the motifs related to the means of transportation stand out notably in consideration of the premise of the film. This is because Hanako’s means of transportation, whom she uses it with, and what she sees on it, eventually correspond to her movements in the final scene. The same is true for Miki and Rie, who belong to the “outside.” It is no exaggeration to say that the scene where the two ride bicycles together before spurring their “destiny” of coming from the province and rowing in the “adult stage” gives the greatest pleasure out of the entire film. [LEE Yumi]