Chizuko's Younger Sister Poster

Chizuko's Younger Sister 1991

★ 7.612 votes150 min📅 1991-05-10

In Nobuhiko Obayashi's haunting 1991 drama *Chizuko's Younger Sister*, a family still reeling from tragedy faces another harrowing ordeal when Mika, the surviving Kitao daughter, finds herself in sudden peril.

Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi

Cast

Hikari Ishida
Hikari Ishida
Mika Kitao
Tomoko Nakajima
Tomoko Nakajima
Chizuko Kitao
Toshinori Omi
Toshinori Omi
Tomoya Kaminaga
Tomoka Shibayama
Tomoka Shibayama
Mako Hasebe
Ittoku Kishibe
Ittoku Kishibe
Father
Sumiko Fuji
Sumiko Fuji
Mother
Yuri Nakae
Yuri Nakae
Mariko Maeno
Wakako Shimazaki
Wakako Shimazaki
Keiko Nakanishi
Naoto Takenaka
Naoto Takenaka
Doctor
Yoshitaka Zushi
Yoshitaka Zushi
White Suit Man

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Chizuko's Younger Sister* (1991) about?

The film follows the Kitao family as they grapple with the loss of their eldest daughter, Chizuko, killed in a tragic accident. When her younger sister Mika faces danger, Chizuko returns as a ghost to protect her, leading to a bittersweet reunion that blurs the line between the living and the dead.

Who directed *Chizuko's Younger Sister*?

Japanese filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi, known for his surrealist visual style and emotionally charged storytelling, directed the film.

Who stars in *Chizuko's Younger Sister*?

The cast includes Hikari Ishida, Tomoko Nakajima, Toshinori Omi, Tomoka Shibayama, and Ittoku Kishibe, with Sumiko Fuji rounding out the ensemble.

Is *Chizuko's Younger Sister* (1991) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, the film's blend of drama and fantasy, coupled with Obayashi's distinctive direction, makes it a compelling watch for fans of emotional, atmospheric cinema. Its themes of loss and redemption resonate deeply, though the slow pacing may not appeal to all viewers.

How long is *Chizuko's Younger Sister*?

The film runs for 150 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Chizuko's Younger Sister (1991) — A ghostly sister's return in Nobuhiko Obayashi's emotional drama

In Nobuhiko Obayashi's haunting 1991 drama *Chizuko's Younger Sister*, a family still reeling from tragedy faces another harrowing ordeal when Mika, the surviving Kitao daughter, finds herself in sudden peril. Just as hope seems lost, Chizuko—Mika's older sister, lost a year prior in a tragic accident—returns as a spectral presence to shield her from harm. Their eerie reunion unfolds against a backdrop of grief and lingering love, blending the raw emotions of familial bonds with the ethereal beauty of the supernatural. This melancholic yet tender film navigates themes of loss, memory, and the unbreakable ties that persist even beyond death.

Directed with Obayashi's signature poetic touch, the movie weaves together drama and fantasy, creating an atmosphere that oscillates between sorrow and quiet wonder. Stars Hikari Ishida and Tomoko Nakajima deliver performances that ground the ethereal narrative in emotional authenticity, anchoring a story that lingers long after the credits roll. *Chizuko's Younger Sister* is a poignant exploration of grief's long shadow and the fleeting moments of light that emerge in its wake.