The Ballad of Narayama

Japanese master Shohei Imamura examined human nature in all its shades in this fascinating, shocking and heartbreaking film set in a remote village in 1900 century Japan. The village represents human life for thousands of years where survival along with religion and tradition ruled the way of life. In this village everybody who reaches the age of 70 is sent to the mountains to die in order not to become a burden to their family and village. Because of the limited resources only the eldest sons are allowed to marry and have children and the remaining brothers are kept as slaves and daughters sold. These strict and inhuman rules are followed by everybody for centuries. An old woman who's 69, prepares for her departure despite being of good health. Before she can leave she sets out to ensure her family is prepared for a life without her. Imamura's staggering film is one of the most profound films that looks at the human condition with an unflinching eye. It remains one of the masterpieces of cinema. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.