Floating Clouds

Synopsis

Floating Clouds (1955), directed by Mikio Naruse and starring Hideko Takamine, is a poignant post-war drama that explores the turbulence and complexities of love and personal identity amid the social upheaval of Japan in the early 1950s. The film follows Yumiko, a woman navigating the emotional challenges of a complicated relationship with a man who remains emotionally distant, while grappling with her own desires and the constrained roles society imposes on her. Set against a backdrop of a recovering Tokyo, the narrative delves deeply into themes of longing, disappointment, and the search for meaning in a world still reeling from the aftermath of war. With subtle storytelling and compelling performances, Floating Clouds portrays a moving and realistic portrait of human vulnerability and resilience.

Cast

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  Hideko Takamine

  Yukiko Koda

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  Masayuki Mori

  Kengo Tomioka

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  Mariko Okada

  Sei Mukai

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  Isao Yamagata

  Sugio Iba

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  Chieko Nakakita

  Kuniko Tomioka

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  Daisuke Katō

  Seikichi Mukai

Reviews

Floating Clouds is widely regarded as one of Mikio Naruse's masterpieces, praised for its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances, especially by Hideko Takamine. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.6/10, reflecting generally favorable user opinions about its emotional depth and cinematic style. Critics often commend the film for its atmospheric cinematography and the nuanced portrayal of post-war Japan’s social realities. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a formal aggregated critic score for the film, but film scholars and classic cinema enthusiasts consistently highlight it as a poignant exploration of character and mood. Jonathan Rosenbaum of the Chicago Reader notes that the movie "masterfully captures the ennui and fragility of its characters amid harsh realities," while film historian Donald Richie calls it "a deeply human and quietly devastating work." Some viewers mention the film’s slow pace and somber tone might challenge modern audiences, yet these elements are also seen as integral to its emotional impact. Overall, Floating Clouds is celebrated as a timeless and beautifully crafted drama that sensitively captures the psychological and social complexities of post-war life.