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      Okaasan

      1952 1h 40m Drama List
      Reviews 95% Fewer than 50 Ratings Audience Score Having lost their family business during a wartime fire, the once-prosperous Fukuhara family struggles to survive amid the chaos and devastation of postwar Japan. Devoted mother Masako Fukuhara (Kinuyo Tanaka) ; her husband, Ryosuke (Kyôko Kagawa) ; and their young children must all find menial jobs to make ends meet. Though living in poverty, the Fukuhara clan finds strength in each other as they work together, hoping to rebuild the happy life they once shared. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      william d Frankly, I found this film kind of boring. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Enjoyable, episodic look at Japanese life, circa 1951. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Naruse's sunniest picture embraces both the pain and the joy of living--Charming and Rueful!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member I'll keep it simple-if you're a mother, you will enjoy this little gem. *Spoiler Alert* Her teenage son's heartbreaking effort to escape from hospital...so that he can die at home with his beloved mother will bring you to tears... Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review dave j Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (1952) Mother (In Japanese with English subtitles) Metaphorically social commentary story involves a narration of a teenage daughter about her mothers sustainability after WWII! In order to fully appreciate this film, one would have to be aware about Japanese history or at least be familiar with Japanese culture which also includes the story. For example, I didn't know back on those days Japanese noodles "Udon" used to be cheaper than rice for instance because these days a small pack of Udon is way more expensive than rice! The story is very subtle and involving with some surprising touches, some identifiable easily influenced by American culture but works well with this Japanese setting! Personally written and directed Mikio Naruse about the after affects of WWII especailly the strain on mothers and the impact onto their families, remeniscent of Yasiro Ozu of Tokyo Story fame! A very high 3 out of 4 stars Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Okaasan (Mother) is a superb family drama that's told ever so simply. It's a moving drama with occasional bits of humor. The great Japanese actress Kinuyo Tanaka (best known for her work in Kenji Mizoguchi's masterpieces The Life of Oharu, Ugetsu, & Sansho the Bailiff) is excellent in the title role and Daisuke Kato (best known for his work in some of Akira Kurosawa's films) is also quite good. But it's the central performance by Kyoko Kagawa as the daughter that is the most noteworthy. This film has a mixed feel of Yasujiro Ozu's style with some of Kenji Mizoguchi's feministic style. It's an excellent film and I look forward to watching more by the master director Mikio Naruse. 9/10 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Okaasan

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      Critics Reviews

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      Keith Uhlich Slant Magazine Simultaneously sentimental and meta. Rated: 3/4 Feb 14, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Having lost their family business during a wartime fire, the once-prosperous Fukuhara family struggles to survive amid the chaos and devastation of postwar Japan. Devoted mother Masako Fukuhara (Kinuyo Tanaka) ; her husband, Ryosuke (Kyôko Kagawa) ; and their young children must all find menial jobs to make ends meet. Though living in poverty, the Fukuhara clan finds strength in each other as they work together, hoping to rebuild the happy life they once shared.
      Director
      Mikio Naruse
      Screenwriter
      Yôko Mizuki
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      Japanese
      Runtime
      1h 40m