With Wife, Children, and Friends
With Wife, Children, and Friends

Movie spotlight

With Wife, Children, and Friends

1961
Movie
156 min
Japanese

Japanese life during the past thirty-five turbulent years is depicted in this film through the eyes of two police detectives. One is Henmi, who comes to Tokyo in 1926 from faraway Kagoshima to join the Tokyo police force. His closest friend is Nihei, a farmer's son from Tohoku who becomes the steadying influence on headstrong Henmi.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Frank W. SmithGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A returning Korean War veteran finds himself alienated from his wife and young son, struggling to reintegrate into civilian life and confront the emotional scars of combat. He grapples with feelings of displacement and disillusionment as he attempts to rebuild his family relationships amidst societal pressures and his own internal turmoil.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'With Wife, Children, and Friends' received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often commending its sensitive portrayal of post-war adjustment and the performances of its lead actors. However, some found its pacing deliberate and its thematic exploration somewhat conventional for the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its honest depiction of a veteran's difficult return home.

  • Noted for strong lead performances that capture the emotional strain.

  • Some critics felt the narrative lacked a distinct dramatic edge.

Google audience: Audience feedback, where available, often highlights the film's relatable portrayal of family struggles and the challenges of adapting to life after conflict. Viewers appreciate the film's mature handling of complex emotions.

Fun Fact

The film was part of a series of television movies produced by the DuPont Company, aiming to tackle contemporary social issues.

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