Woman of Water was inspired by the true story of UA who plays Ryo in the film. UA is a famous singer in Japan, who seems to call upon rain every time she performs at an important concert. Based on this fact, the film revolves around the ‘woman of water,’ Ryo, and Yusaku, who finds comfort in fire. The director creates a modern myth about love and the meaning of living along with others through the two characters who are set against each other in nature through water, fire, wind (the bath house steam) and land (the Mt. Fuji painting in the bath house). The various sights that exist within the confines of the bathhouse represent equality and a new beginning. The slow pacing of the film and its dream-like symbolic atmosphere adds to its mythical quality. (Michelle Sohn)