Solid dramatic work from perpetually underseen master Mikio Naruse, Mother has a family falling on hard times and the titular matriarch trying to hold things together when their father is struck down with illness. There’s some effective dramatic material, and a handful of amusing comedic moments, but it just feels like a minor work. There’s not much unique about their plight and it’s not inflamed or involving enough to really make a huge impact. It’s a worthwhile flick but there’s a limit of diminishing returns from the prolific Naruse, and his Lightning from the same year hit highs that Mother just never does.
[Grade: 7.5/10 (B-) / #16 (of 24) of 1952]
myboringlife42 