A movie that sneaks up on you. It begins almost like a clone of one of Ozu's family dramas (Setsuko Hara as the obedient daughter-in-law helps with the illusion), then throws some traditional melodramatic plot devices at you. But eventually it takes you to a very different place, and you realize the real story was happening in the background all along.

"Sound of the Mountain is reportedly director Mikio Naruse's favorite among his pictures and, to a point, it is easy to see why." - Keith Uhlich

A subversive family drama with a strong critique of Japanese society, but instead of being brash with large dramatic outbursts it's subtle and almost unnaturally subdued. Naruse deals his criticisms with a million stabs at the willing blindness that pervades Japanese society, and parallels it with the way the plot develops. Most scenes are filled with subtle implications and nonchalant revelations, followed by a reserved aftermath. The very even pacing robs it of some energy but it works well.

A fairly depressing film, without being overly dark. There's some odd stuff in here: almost every significant event occurs offscreen and is only revealed through conversation after the fact. Also, a few scenes cut out at very unexpected moments. Is Naruse teasing the audience, or suggesting that it's the aftermath of events that matter more than the events themselves? I didn't think this was an amazing movie or anything, but it was pretty good and I have high hopes for his other work.