Films & Events

Kabei—Our Mother

Kabei—Our Mother

A father’s sudden absence occupies the center of Yoji Yamada’s intricate family drama, adapted from Teruyo Nogami’s bestselling memoir. In prewar Tokyo, after Shigeru “Tobei” Nogami is imprisoned for espousing progressive political views, his wife, known by his daughters as “Kabei,” is left alone to support their family. Helped by the sweet, bumbling student Yamazaki and some of her more anti-authoritarian neighbors, Kabei ekes out a living for her family and struggles through the consequences of Tobei’s anti-Imperialist “thought crime.” Director Yamada, a beloved veteran of Japanese cinema, builds upon the quiet artistry of his recent trilogy of samurai films (The Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, and Love and Honor) and the touching comedy of his epic 48-part Tora San series. Unashamedly emotional without lapsing into sentimentality, Kabei—Our Mother is lightened by a subtle undercurrent of humor and exceptional performances. The film’s meditative approach and impeccable formal construction make it a rewarding exploration of a family’s resilience in the face of distress.

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Cast & Crew

Director: Yoji Yamada
Producer: Hiroshi Fukazawa, Takashi Yajima
Editor: Iwao Ishii
Screenwriter: Yoji Yamada, Emiko Hiramatsu, based on the book by Teruyo Nogami
Cinematographer: Mutsuo Naganuma

Music: Isao Tomita
Principal Cast: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Mitsugoro Bando, Tadanobu Asano, Rei Dan
Filmography: Love and Honor (2006); The Hidden Blade (2004); The Twilight Samurai (2002); A Class to Remember (1993); My Sons (1991); Final Take: The Golden Age of Movies (1986); The Village (1975); Home from the Sea (1972); Tora San Our Lovable Tramp (1969)
World Sales: Shochiku Co., Ltd.

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(3 reviews)

user reviews

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    one of the saddest movies i've ever seen, Jun 03, 2009

    By Felicia Mehl

    “Very moving film about the damage inflicted by militarist governments and war. The film centers on a mother and two young daughters in particular (great performances!) and most of the scenes are shot in interiors, particularly the family's home and the father's prison cell. I think it demonstrates” … full review

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    Yamada succeeds once again, Jun 04, 2009

    By Mimi Noyes

    “Like Yoji Yamada's samurai trilogy this is a beautiful, gentle, and moving film, this time set in pre to post-war Tokyo, Japan. Unlike the samurai trilogy, however, this film was a great deal sadder and more tragic. There are still the light touches of humor and comic situations, but the overall” … full review

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    All about my mother, Jun 05, 2009

    By Zheng Wang

    “This is the story of a woman's strength, set against a revealing look into the political oppression in Japan during WWII. The quiet and plain approach of the film is confidently effective, yet it leaves something to be desired by the end. Features a masterful performance by Sayuri Yoshinaga.”

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Screenings

SIFF Cinema
June 3, 2009 6:45 PM
6:45 PM (Date has passed.)
Kirkland Performance Center
June 4, 2009 7:00 PM
7:00 PM (Date has passed.)