What is naruse?

Naruse Mikio (1905-1969) was a prolific Japanese film director who is widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of Japanese cinema. He began his career as an assistant director in the silent era and went on to direct over 80 films in a career spanning three decades.

Naruse is known for his realistic and compassionate portrayals of the struggles of ordinary people in contemporary Japan. His films often focus on the lives of women, particularly those facing social and economic difficulties. He was renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out nuanced performances from his actors.

Some of Naruse's most acclaimed films include "Floating Clouds" (1955), "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" (1960), and "Late Chrysanthemums" (1954). He was a favorite of the French New Wave directors, who greatly admired his work and championed his films in the West.

Despite his critical acclaim, Naruse was largely overlooked in his native Japan during his lifetime, where he was seen as a director of "women's pictures" rather than a serious filmmaker. However, in the decades since his death, his reputation has grown both in Japan and internationally, and he is now considered one of the most important figures in the history of Japanese cinema.