Watch Apart From You

Apart From You is a 1933 Japanese film directed by Mikio Naruse. The movie is a poignant drama that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her teenage son. Set in Tokyo during the 1930s, the film is a beautiful exploration of the struggles of everyday life in Japan during this era. The story is built around the story of a single mother, Kikue (played by Mitsuko Yashikawa), who has to raise her son, Yoshio (Akio Isono), alone after her husband dies in a car accident. Kikue is a geisha who has to balance her work with the task of raising her son. The film explores the challenges that Kikue must face as she tries to provide for her son while also keeping her job.

The movie starts with a scene where Kikue is struggling with her son because he has been skipping school. Kikue is worried about his future and is having a hard time balancing her work with the responsibility of being a parent. The movie then shows us Yoshio's story as he becomes involved with a gang of street criminals. Yoshio's descent into a life of crime is a result of his mother's neglect, and as the story unfolds, we see the devastating impact that this has on both mother and son.

Despite its heavy themes, Apart From You is a well-crafted movie that has a lightness of touch that keeps it from being too overbearing. The pacing is slow and languid, with a lot of time spent on the everyday moments of life. This lack of urgency allows the movie to properly explore the complex emotions of its characters.

The acting in the movie is excellent, with Mitsuko Yoshikawa delivering a standout performance. She is able to convey the pain of her character's situation without ever overplaying her emotions. Akio Isono is also excellent as Yoshio, playing the part with a sense of naivety that is both endearing and heartbreaking.

Apart From You also has a strong visual style, with Naruse using light and shadow to create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and melancholic. The film's cinematography is simple but effective, with Naruse using static camera shots to give the audience a sense of the world that the characters inhabit.

One of the movie's key themes is the impact of change on traditional Japanese culture. The movie explores the changing attitudes of younger generations and how they threaten the stability of traditional ways. Naruse is able to depict this theme through the use of imagery and symbolism, with the eventual disintegration of Kikue and Yoshio's relationship being a metaphor for the wider issues facing Japan during the time period.

Overall, Apart From You is a beautifully rendered movie that is both poignant and thought-provoking. It is a testament to the skill of Mikio Naruse, who manages to create a film that is both emotionally charged and visually striking. For fans of Japanese cinema, it is a must-see movie that offers a unique insight into the challenges of life in Japan during the 1930s.