Mother (1952 film)


Mother is a 1952 black-and-white Japanese film directed by Mikio Naruse, starring Kinuyo Tanaka in the title role. The film is based on the on a prize-winning entry of a school essay-writing competition and screenplay by Yūko Mizuki.
The film is presented as the view of young woman named Toshiko Fukuhara, the daughter of a widowed mother of four children during the tough post-war years.

Plot

The film depicts a tough period in the life of Masako Fukuhara who struggles to look after an ill son, failing from dust of velvet-making workshop, a husband ill from overwork in the war, a young girl, a younger boy cousin and a teenage daughter Toshiko. Forced to take over the family dry-cleaning business after the death of her husband, Masako also attempts to cope with her daughter's rebellious behavior. Toshiko, meanwhile, harbors suspicions that her mother is falling for her Uncle Kimura, even as she herself starts to feel the first stirrings of love and passion. Through it all, Masako works on uncomplaining and efficient, while enjoying the pleasures of watching her children grow up.

Cast

1953 - Blue Ribbon Awards
1953 – Mainichi Film Award