Japan, directed by Yasujiro Ozu
The final film that I saw in the Ozu retrospective at the Film Center was far from my favorite, but worth seeing for its stark portrayal of life in post-war Japan. A mother prostitutes herself to pay for her son’s medical treatment. When hubby returns from years away, he takes the news badly (despite the fact that she saved the kid’s life) and his seething shame erupts in Ozu’s most shocking scene of violence. While it’s important to keep in mind the time period and cultural context of the film, it still made for frustrating viewing in the here-and-now. [***]
2 Things @ Once 
Have you seen the original, Japanese version of “Shall we Dance”? If you haven’t, it’s a must-see! It’s so good. I can’t believe they remade it with JLo…ick. When will they learn that some movies should never be touched?
I agree. I loved the original and recommended it to everyone when I first saw it. Strictly Ballroom is another great foreign film (Australian) set in the world of ballroom dancing.
Any plans to remake Hen in the Wind with Ben Affleck?
With Lindsay Lohan as the downtrodden (read acts without makeup) mother. Or perhaps Beyonce?