When We are Old 1982
In this poignant 1982 Japanese family drama *When We are Old*, veteran actor Chishū Ryū stars as a tender-hearted elderly man navigating a bittersweet chapter of life.
Director: Shizuhiro Izuta
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is When We are Old (1982) about?
This 1982 drama follows a retired man who moves to his son's house while his beloved wife remains hospitalized. Despite his son's objections, he makes a quiet but determined journey to be near her, revealing the quiet strength of devotion and the pain of temporary absence.
Who directed When We are Old?
Shizuhiro Izuta directed *When We are Old*. Though not widely known outside Japanese TV cinema, Izuta crafts a sensitive portrait of family dynamics and emotional endurance in this brief but impactful film.
Who stars in When We are Old?
The film stars cinema legend Chishū Ryū in the lead role, joined by Jūkichi Uno, Aiko Nagayama, Setsuko Horikoshi, and Seiya Nakano.
Is When We are Old (1982) worth watching?
*When We are Old* may be short and unrated, but its emotional resonance and authentic performances give it lasting value. Fans of quiet, contemplative dramas will appreciate its gentle honesty and the graceful presence of Chishū Ryū, a Japanese screen icon.
How long is When We are Old?
The runtime for *When We are Old* is 65 minutes.
About When We are Old (1982) — A Gentle Japanese Drama on Love and Aging
In this poignant 1982 Japanese family drama *When We are Old*, veteran actor Chishū Ryū stars as a tender-hearted elderly man navigating a bittersweet chapter of life. After moving into his son's modern home while his wife recuperates in hospital, he feels the quiet ache of separation. Though his son dissuades him, the old man embarks on an emotional journey back to her side, turning a simple train ride into a reflection on love, duty, and the bonds that endure across time and distance. Directed with quiet sensitivity by Shizuhiro Izuta, the film unfolds with gentle realism, capturing the fragility of aging and the courage it takes to honor the heart's true home.
Set against a backdrop of understated domestic routine and fleeting moments of tenderness, *When We are Old (1982)* distills universal themes into a deeply human story. The sparse dialogue and authentic performances by Ryū, alongside Jūkichi Uno and Aiko Nagayama, create an atmosphere of quiet emotion that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a TV movie that transcends its modest runtime, offering a moving meditation on what it means to grow old with grace—and to choose love, even when it's inconvenient.