Based on popular Japanese writer Fumiko Hayahi's final novel, a condemning portrait of married life and women's position in Japanese society, Repast tells the story of Michiyo and Hatsunosuke, a married couple who, in the routine of family life, have begun to fall out of love. With no child to cement their bond, they are still free to question their marriage. Especially since it was a marriage not of convenience, but of love. While Hatsunosuke seems unperturbed, Michiyo fully realizes the growing distance between them and the anguish deeply pains her. Events come to a head when Hatsunosuke's attractive young niece arrives and Michiyo suspects her of making advances. Her heart broken, Michiyo confronts her husband with all of her complaints. Once again, he is uninterested and aloof and she flees his house back to her family. After a long period of depression and several total failures to begin her life anew, Michiyo meets with Hatsunosuke and they superficially patch up their differences. The film ends with Michiyo returning to her married home, forlornly staring out the train window.
by Brian Whitener
synopsis
