A Hen in the Wind

Year: 1948

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Yasujirô Ozu

Drama

Tokiko, a mother, patiently awaits her husband's return from WWII when her four‑year‑old son falls seriously ill. Unable to afford medical care, she turns to prostitution for the money. A month later her husband returns, discovers her desperate actions, and learns the painful truth. Together they face the emotional fallout of her sacrifice.

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Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:31

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Movies about desperate choices and marital crisis like A Hen in the Wind

Stories where a desperate act to survive fractures a relationship beyond recognition.Find movies like A Hen in the Wind that explore the devastating impact of a desperate secret on a marriage. If you were gripped by the story of Tokiko and Shuichi, these films feature similar themes of survival, betrayal, and the painful journey of reconciliation after a profound breach of trust.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a linear, character-driven structure: a significant pressure forces a character into a morally compromising choice to survive or protect their family. The act remains a secret until it is discovered by their partner, leading to a shattering confrontation filled with anger, shame, and violence. The resolution is never easy, focusing on whether the relationship can endure the weight of the trauma.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their intense focus on domestic conflict born from extreme circumstances. They share a heavy emotional weight, a dark tone, and a straightforward plot structure that relentlessly explores the consequences of a single, life-altering decision on the most intimate of bonds.

Movies about the heavy scars of post-war trauma like A Hen in the Wind

Stories focusing on the grim, personal aftermath of war on civilians and soldiers.Discover movies similar to A Hen in the Wind that capture the bleak atmosphere and heavy emotional toll of life after a major war. These films, set in the aftermath of conflict, explore the struggles of ordinary people dealing with trauma, societal collapse, and the moral compromises of survival.

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Narrative Summary

The narratives in this thread are often slow, character-studies set against a backdrop of a defeated or recovering society. They follow individuals or families as they confront the harsh realities of survival—hunger, illness, loss of status—which often lead to ethically difficult choices. The central conflict is internal and external, pitting personal morality against the brute force of circumstance.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their somber, melancholic mood and their unflinching look at the human cost of war beyond the battlefield. They share a steady, deliberate pacing that allows for deep immersion in the characters' suffering and resilience, creating a consistently intense and heavy viewing experience.

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A Hen in the Wind Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Hen in the Wind

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More About A Hen in the Wind

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