Naruse presents another study of human tenacity in the face of spiritual and physical ruin, through the tale of the Fukuhara family, struggling to rebuild their lives in postwar Japan. Wanting to reopen their pre-war dry cleaning business, father Ryosaku works as a factory guard, son Susumu works at an upholstery shop, while mother Masako sells candies on the street with daughter Toshiko’s help. Life is difficult even after they reopen their cleaning business, as the Fukuhara family discovers greater disillusionment and heartache. Of special note here are the bittersweet portrayals of Naruse’s resilient, graceful female characters.

SCREENING · 23 Aug Sat 2.15pm

Distribution: Shin Toho, Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation


OTHER FILMS BY NARUSE Mikio
- Floating Clouds
- Ginza Cosmetics
- A Wanderer's Notebook

MOTHER
1952, Japan, 98min, B&W, 35mm, PG
Directed by Naruse Mikio