Viewed on DVD. Film score = two (2) stars. The focus of this film is on an extended family facing hard times before, during, and after WW II. A common cinematic genre sometimes referred to as Shomin Geki (home drama). In this version, Director Youji Yamada offers up a story containing all the ingredients for a fine melodrama except one: energized direction. This weary film renders viewer attempts to identify (and tear-up empathize) with photo play characters a decidedly uphill slog. It also makes for characters that often come across as two dimensional--with the notable exceptions of child actresses Mirai Shida and Miku Satou who, as daughters, energetically (and delightfully) steal every scene they are in! Scene narration (apparently by a now-grown daughter) is sporadic and seems extraneous. Narration accompanying the closing credits is trivial drivel, but now spoken by a male actor! (A voice from beyond the grave, perhaps?) Score consists of mostly Faux opera singing by a woman (with piano accompaniment). Overdone, it quickly becomes an annoying distraction and ends up sounding more like screeching (or strangulation!) than singing. Cinematography (semi-wide screen, color) is good. Interior design is fine, but exteriors (except for beach scenes) look sound-stage phony. Kabei (かべい) means "wallboard" or "wall decoration" in literal translation. Might be your guide when deciding whether to spend 133 minutes of your time watching this movie. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.
Review of Kabei: Our Mother
