Visit of an Old Lady
Visit of an Old Lady

Movie spotlight

Visit of an Old Lady

2006
Movie
100 min
Estonian

As a young woman, Claire left her hometown in disgrace. Now she is old and unimaginably rich, as for the first time she returns. The town is nearly bankrupt and in urgent need of money. Everybody hopes Clara will come to the rescue. And she will. However, there is a condition: somebody must kill the man who was her lover all those years ago.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Kiyoshi KurosawaGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A woman named Tomoko returns to her remote hometown after many years, drawn by a mysterious illness that has befallen her estranged mother. Upon arrival, she finds her mother in a state of profound apathy, seemingly disconnected from reality. As Tomoko attempts to understand and care for her mother, she uncovers unsettling secrets about her family's past and the peculiar, almost supernatural atmosphere that pervades the isolated community.

Critical Reception

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's 'Visit of an Old Lady' is a deliberately paced and atmospheric exploration of familial trauma and existential dread. While some critics found its ambiguity and slow burn challenging, many praised its haunting visuals, unsettling mood, and compelling performances, particularly from Kyoko Koizumi. It's considered a more intimate and character-driven work within Kurosawa's filmography, appreciated for its psychological depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its pervasive sense of unease and psychological tension.

  • Commended for Kyoko Koizumi's nuanced and powerful portrayal of a woman grappling with grief and the past.

  • Noted for its deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative, which can be divisive.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Although Kiyoshi Kurosawa is widely celebrated for his horror films like 'Cure' and 'Pulse,' 'Visit of an Old Lady' leans more into psychological drama and existential unease, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.

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