A Hen in the Wind (Kaze no naka no mendori)
Directed by Yasujirô Ozu
Written by Yasujirô Ozu and Ryôsuke Saitô
1948/Japan
Shôchiku Eiga
First viewing/Hulu Plus
This is a film of unusual intensity by director Yasujiro Ozu, complemented by the usual intensity of actress Kinuyo Tanaka.
Tokiko (Tanaka) has been struggling to support her two-year-old son while she waits for her husband to come home from four long years in the army. As the film opens, she is trying to sell her last kimono just to meet living expenses. She has resisted all suggestions that she use her “good looks” to bring home the bacon. Then the toddler gets really ill and the hospital demands ten days advance payment. She takes up the local madam on her offer for one night.
Her best friend is appalled by her action. Tokiko, herself, thinks maybe she should have sold the furniture instead but she wanted her husband to come home to the kind of home he left.
When the husband does come home, he inquires about his son’s health and Tokiko blurts out the truth. The husband does not react well, to say the least. He is full of rage and insists on learning every last detail. The couple struggle through a lot of pain until the beautifully redemptive end.
This is a tad on the melodramatic side but Ozu’s use of ellision and transition shots distance the viewer from some of the pathos. Tanaka gives a beautiful performance ranging from maternal tenderness to desperation. Recommended.
Clip – the confession and aftermath
