Silent Naruse (Criterion Collection - Eclipse Series 26)

Japanese film fans who know the works of Ozu and Mizoguchi will appreciate this collection of rare silent films by Mikio Naruse, whose talents were often compared favorably to his better-known peers. Boasting carefully composed images and heartfelt emotion, "No Blood Relation" (1932) concerns a Tokyo actress reunited with the child she abandoned to pursue Hollywood fame; "Apart from You" (1933) deals with an aging geisha and her troubled teenage son; a single hostess nourishes "Every-Night Dreams" (1933) of a better life for herself and her boy; the life of a beautiful waitress changes after she encounters a rich man in an unfortunate accident, in "Street Without End" (1934); and the short film "Flunky, Work Hard" (1931) offers the story of an insurance salesman chasing a wealthy client. 5 1/3 hrs. total on five discs. Standard; Soundtrack: Dolby Digital mono music score. Silent with music score.