That Night's Wife 1930
In the economically bleak landscape of 1930s Japan, Yasujirō Ozu crafts a gripping drama that unfolds in the shadow of desperation during the Great Depression.
Director: Yasujirō Ozu
Cast
Tokihiko Okada
Shuji
Emiko Yagumo
Mayumi
Mitsuko Ichimura
Michiko
Togo Yamamoto
Detective Kagawa
Tatsuo Saitō
Dr. Suda
Chishū Ryū
Policeman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is That Night's Wife (1930) about?
This tense drama follows a father in 1930s Japan who robs a pawnbroker to pay for his daughter's medical treatment, only to face a night of escalating danger as he evades capture. The film delves into the sacrifices parents make, set against the harsh realities of economic hardship.
Who directed That Night's Wife?
Yasujirō Ozu, one of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers, directed That Night's Wife. Known for his subtle storytelling and deep emotional insight, Ozu crafts a masterful blend of drama and suspense in this 1930 classic.
Who stars in That Night's Wife?
The film stars Tokihiko Okada as the desperate father, alongside Emiko Yagumo, Mitsuko Ichimura, Togo Yamamoto, and Tatsuo Saitō in pivotal roles.
Is That Night's Wife (1930) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, That Night's Wife is a standout in Ozu's filmography, offering a gripping narrative and rich thematic depth. Its blend of crime drama and family saga makes it a compelling watch for fans of classic cinema, though it may feel slow-paced by modern standards.
How long is That Night's Wife?
That Night's Wife has a runtime of 66 minutes.
About That Night's Wife (1930) — A gripping crime drama by Yasujirō Ozu
In the economically bleak landscape of 1930s Japan, Yasujirō Ozu crafts a gripping drama that unfolds in the shadow of desperation during the Great Depression. That Night's Wife follows a desperate father who resorts to a daring crime to secure the money needed for his critically ill daughter's treatment, only to find himself pursued by the consequences of his actions. As the night wears on, the tension escalates, revealing the fragile boundaries between love, sacrifice, and moral compromise. Ozu's masterful direction infuses the film with a quiet intensity, blending intimate family moments with the looming threat of exposure, creating an atmosphere that is both claustrophobic and deeply human.
At its heart, That Night's Wife explores the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child, wrapping its themes of duty and desperation in a crime narrative that feels as much like a moral fable as it does a suspenseful thriller. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography and minimalist storytelling amplify its emotional weight, making it a poignant reflection on resilience in a world where financial ruin and personal tragedy often go hand in hand.
