Anzukko

Like many of Naruse's films from the 1950's, "Anzukko" (Little Peach, 1958) depicts a troublesome marriage, and determinedly puts the blame on the husband. The narrative takes place in post-war Japan. Yamamura So plays a successful writer, whose daughter (Kagawa Kyoko), is very picky about the husband candidates she is forced to meet. Eventually, she does end up marrying a man, who is an aspiring writer. Quickly, the husband starts to develop feelings of jealousy and hate about his father in law, who is still a big part of the daughter's life. And there's alcoholism too.

"Anzukko" is from the bleaker side of the Naruse catalog. The drama, taking place in a small country town, is well structured for most of the time, because the characters of the father and daughter are so strong. The husband character could have used a couple of positive moments, as the film now lacks balance in the marital depiction. There isn't much optimism, but the Japanese women of Naruse's films don't give up easily either.

The film touches upon several interesting things. The financial difficulty that young couples face upon marriage. Masculine jealousy about one's father in law. A Woman's relationship with her family after she has been "married off". Most of the film contains interesting things, though it may be 20 minutes too long. Acting is great, especially from Yamamura So, who has been made to look older for him to pass as Kagawa's father.

Not one of Naruse's best, but a pretty recognizable work for the director nevertheless.