Yearning (Midareru)
Directed by Mikio Naruse
Written by Zenso Matsuyama; story by Mikio Naruse
1964/Japan
Toho Company
Repeat viewing/FilmStruck
[box] “I’m wearying to escape into that glorious world, and to be always there: not seeing it dimly through tears, and yearning for it through the walls of an aching heart: but really with it, and in it.” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights[/box]
Such a tender and sad film.
Reiko (Hideko Hakamine) has run her in-laws’ small grocery store for 18 years – ever since her husband died in WWII. She is really the heart and soul of the business. Her husband’s younger brother Koji has grown up to be a sort of aimless. The store is facing stiff competition from the burgeoning supermarkets who can sell much cheaper than a mom and pop store can. The store is in a prime location and Reiko’s sister-in-laws are keen on either selling out or opening the store as a supermarket under Koji’s management. They think Reiko should move on.
Matters are vastly complicated when Koji announces he has fallen in love with Reiko, who is eleven years his senior and not interested in pursuing the relationship.
I haven’t seen enough films by Naruse. The ones I have seen have all been winners. This one is flooded through with unspoken emotion and looks just beautiful. Hakamine is one of the world’s great actresses and well worth seeing in this or anything else.
Trailer – no subtitles
