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In Japan, Mikio Naruse is regarded as a cinematic master, alongside Kurosawa, Mizoguchi and Ozu. In the UK, his work is largely unknown. The Cornerhouse cinema in Manchester will be screening the following Naruse films in September 2007.
1954; Cert. PG; 1hr41mins; Subtitled
One of Naruse's greatest works, this bleak, compelling, poignant portrait of a quartet of ageing geishas focuses on Kin. Retired after successful real estate deals, she cynically lends money and advice to the others. Then an old lover reappears... This is a fresco of confined lives, impeccably acted by a very fine ensemble.
For more information about this film, see the Internet Movie Database.
1955; Cert. 12A; 2hrs3min; Subtitled
Naruse's ultimate masterpiece opens in the bombed ruins of Tokyo as Yukiko searches for Tomioka, with whom she worked during the war. They renew their affair, but he tells Yukiko he can't leave his wife... The two characters are in constant motion, but Naruse shoots them with travelling shots so imperceptible that all seems fixed, immobile.
For more information about this film, see the Internet Movie Database.
1960; Cert. PG; 1hr50mins; Subtitled
An ageing Tokyo hostess trys to maintain her dignity amid the sleaze of the Ginza bar district. The widow remains faithful to the memory of her husband, and supports her mother, brother and his son, even as she dreams of opening her own bar. As so often in Naruse, the unstated and understated provide a subliminal thrum of unease, with the film splendidly shot in Scope, all dense, congested interiors.
For more information about this film, see the Internet Movie Database.
Ticket prices:
All details taken from the Cornerhouse web site and may be subject to change. See the Cornerhouse web site for full details.