The Snow Flurry

Hideo (KAWAKANE Masanao), the youngest son of the NAGURA family, defies his father’s disapproval and plans a double suicide with Haruko (KISHI Keiko). However, only Haruko survives, and the act brings shame to the NAGURA family, who refuse to forgive her. Impregnated, Haruko gives birth to Suteo (KAWAZU Yusuke) and lives in the shadow of her past, feeling outcast.

Suteo finds solace in Sakura (KUGA Yoshiko), his 7-year-older cousin with whom he has fallen in love. However, Suteo’s forbidden love echoes his mother’s tragic story…

This deeply moving melodrama skilfully critiques family traditions and societal barriers in a post-war village with its non-linear storytelling. KINOSHITA Keisuke (1912-1998), a celebrated Japanese director, is known for a wide range of films, including The Ballad of Narayama and Army. He often explores the suffering, responsibilities, and moral dilemmas of individuals. Despite his significant contributions to Japanese cinema, he has remained somewhat overshadowed by other masters like KUROSAWA Akira, with many of his films yet to gain more international recognition.

©1959 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

「楢山節考」「二十四の瞳」などで知られる、木下惠介監督による社会派のメロドラマ。閉鎖的な価値観にとらわれている信州の農村を舞台に、母と息子の二世代にわたる身分違いの恋を描く。大地主の次男と小作人の娘が心中し、娘だけが生き残った。相手の子を宿した娘は地主の家に迎えられ男の子を産むが、成長したその子が地主の長男の娘に恋心を抱く。

(Special thanks to Eikoku News Digest)