Yearning (1964)

 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Yearning (1964) – M. Naruse

I rewatched this late Mikio Naruse film starring Hideko Takamine as a widow who has dutifully served her late husband's family by running their grocery store. When the family thinks about upscaling to a supermarket, there may be no place for her -- except the youngest (now only) son has other ideas. Although the title usually translates as "yearning" (which may be what Takamine's character is feeling), some have suggested that it could be "confused" or even "tormented".  Although there is a glimpse of freedom near the end, things conclude very bleak. Highly recommended!

Original review is here:  https://artstukas.blogspot.com/2012/05/yearning-1964.html