Kabei (Japan)

Another strong film from the director of Hidden Blade, Twilight Samurai and Love and Honor. Not quite as wonderful as those but still a very good experience. Just done be surprised it's a downer of a story.

Set in Japan during World War II it follows a family where the father's "thought crimes" force the mother to raise the two daughters largely on her own. Of course the "crimes" are ones most modern audiences are going to think are the right thoughts to be having. The family is helped by neighbors and a former student of the husband. Filled with drama and strong performances it shows both the human cost of a man standing up for his beliefs in a society that ill tolerated dissent. But at the same time highlights the support and humanity of friends and relatives. As in all his films the look of the film is one of it's charms.

I could talk more about the story - but you're better off if I don't. If you liked the director's other work odds are you'll like this one. If you haven't you might want to add the three other films I mentioned above to your Netflix queue.