Moment of Terror 1966
Mikio Naruse's *Moment of Terror (1966)* is a gripping crime drama that weaves a tale of raw vengeance and moral decay in post-war Japan. When a grieving mother's only son is killed in a hit-and-run, her life shatters into a harrowing quest for retribution.
Director: Mikio Naruse
Cast
Hideko Takamine
Kuniko, the Mother
Yōko Tsukasa
Kinuko Kakinuma
Eitarō Ozawa
Kakinuma
Daisuke Katō
Kawashima
Jin Nakayama
Susumu Ogasawara
Toshio Kurosawa
Kuniko's younger brother
Natsuko Kahara
Fumie
Kumeko Urabe
Hisako Kanematsu
Yoshio Inaba
Takeshi Katō
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moment of Terror (1966) about?
The film follows a grieving mother who loses her son in a hit-and-run accident, only to discover the driver is the mistress of a powerful corporate president. Determined to make them suffer, she infiltrates their household with a hidden agenda, plotting to destroy their family as they once destroyed hers.
Who directed Moment of Terror?
Mikio Naruse, the legendary Japanese director known for his sharp social dramas like *When a Woman Ascends the Stairs* and *Floating Clouds*, helmed *Moment of Terror*.
Who stars in Moment of Terror?
The film features Hideko Takamine as the vengeful mother, Yōko Tsukasa as the adulterous wife, Eitarō Ozawa as her powerful husband, and Daisuke Katō in a supporting role.
Is Moment of Terror (1966) worth watching?
While it lacks a public IMDb rating, *Moment of Terror* is a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn noir and psychological dramas. Naruse's direction and Takamine's performance elevate the material, though its bleak themes may not appeal to all viewers.
How long is Moment of Terror?
The film runs for 100 minutes.
About Moment of Terror (1966) — A Mother's Vengeance Unfolds in Mikio Naruse's Noir Drama
Mikio Naruse's *Moment of Terror (1966)* is a gripping crime drama that weaves a tale of raw vengeance and moral decay in post-war Japan. When a grieving mother's only son is killed in a hit-and-run, her life shatters into a harrowing quest for retribution. The driver, an adulterous wife, hides behind her powerful husband, who buys silence to protect their reputation. But the mother uncovers the truth, infiltrates their home under false pretenses, and embarks on a chilling campaign to destroy their family in kind. Naruse masterfully blends social critique with psychological tension, exposing the rot beneath Japan's economic boom.
The film's atmosphere is thick with dread, as every glance and whispered word feels like a ticking bomb. With Hideko Takamine delivering a haunting performance as the vengeful mother, and Yōko Tsukasa as her morally compromised adversary, *Moment of Terror* becomes a slow-burn thriller where justice and vengeance blur into obsession.
