Naku onna

Name: Naku onna
Director: Shōgorō Nishimura
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
Released: 1980-01-01
Duration: 67 min
Cast: Maiko Kazama, Asami Ogawa, Tatsuya Hamaguchi, Koichi Hoshino, Mari Kojima

1980Dir. Shōgorō Nishimura1h 7m

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About This Movie

Naku onna is a fascinating blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy that really captures the absurdity of human relationships. The film dives into the peculiar world of surrogacy, with a couple agreeing to help another childless couple through natural insemination. What stands out is the almost whimsical tone, contrasted by the underlying emotional stakes as they repeatedly attempt to conceive. The pacing feels deliberate, giving the audience time to absorb the awkwardness and humor of the situations. Practical effects are minimal, but the performances—especially from the lead couple—bring a genuine charm that makes the absurdity feel relatable. It’s this unique combination of thematic exploration and light-hearted storytelling that makes Naku onna an interesting watch for anyone curious about Japanese cinema from this era.

Unique exploration of surrogacy themesWhimsical tone with emotional undertonesDistinctive performances and humor