User reviews

Diary of a Mad Old Man tells a tale it is a journal of a seventy-seven-year-old man Tokusuke Rôjin, a man of refined tastes who is slowly recovering from a debilitating stroke. Tokusuke discovers that, while his body is deteriorating, he still has strong urges, his libido still rages on. Is it any wonder with all the gentle and kindly attentions from his beautiful daughter-in-law Satsuko (Ayako Wakao) a chic woman with a shady past. Old age has left him pathetic and ridiculous but Tokusuke carries on without a trace of self-pity, his diary reflects this state of mind, it is filled with self-effacing good humour. This marvellous bittersweet film examines the relationship between our sexual desire and the will to live, weaving in the hilarious with a touch of poignancy. The film was adapted by director Keigo Kimura from a novel by the famous much filmed, modernist author Jun'ichiro Tanizaki. Fûten Rojin nikki is wonderfully creative and witty, a universal tragicomedy on the fragility of human existence. Highly Recommended especially for fans of Ayako Wakao , another exceptional performance, giving an enchanting, aloof, surprisingly dark satirical performance...