Floating Clouds

『浮雲』
Ukigumo

70th Anniversary—Imported 35mm Print; Followed by the Opening Night Reception. Entrenched in the devastating reality of postwar Japan, Naruse’s masterpiece adapts Fumiko Hayashi’s final completed novel to trace the lives of two repatriated lovers reunited in the ruins of a defeated nation. The wartime affair of Tomioka, a married Forestry Ministry officer (Masayuki Mori) and typist Yukiko (Hideko Takamine) continues in the postwar rubble, but their bleak existence pales against the faraway romance that took place in French Indochina. Reluctant to leave his wife, the lecherous Tomioka comes and goes at his leisure to visit Yukiko, who clings to him desperately, propping up the vestiges of their long-lost passion over the course of years. Takamine’s heartbreaking performance is perhaps her finest hour, a role of sheer emotional magnitude that bears an agonizing love, drawn from the fading memory of what once was.

Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation.

Dir. Mikio Naruse, 1955, 123 min., 35mm, b&w, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Hideko Takamine, Masayuki Mori, Mariko Okada. Screenplay by Yoko Mizuki.

Part of the John and Miyoko Davey Classic Film Series
Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us – Part I 
May 9—31, 2025

© 1955 Toho Co., Ltd.

Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us is co-organized by Japan Society, Metrograph and the Japan Foundation, New York.

Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us – Part I is generously supported by The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund for Classic Japanese Film.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by Ms. Miyoko U. Davey, The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and Film Circle members.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.