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A woman bolts from her family on a bus — and you will never guess where it takes her.
TMDB
72
IMDb
75
Watch(JP)

Lightning (1952)

quietly devastatingbureaucratic dreademotional escape artist

Overview

Drama

The story of Kiyoko, a young woman who has successfully managed to make a break with her dysfunctional family who have been trying to arrange a marriage for her with a disagreeable man whom she has rejected.

Flag of JPJPJapanese
Content warning
based on novel or bookparent child relationshipsisterbus

Standout Aspects

Acting

Hideko Takamine's restrained desperation — a masterclass in saying nothing.

Direction

Naruse's lateral tracking shots as emotional prison bars.

Writing

Every sister gets a distinct voice; no villain, only systems.

Best for:Solo: When you need permission to disappoint your family.·Rewatch: Naruse's framing reveals more on second viewing.
Heads up:Emotional: The final bus stop will wreck you — not bittersweet, just bitter.
Mikio Naruse

Director

Mikio Naruse

ReleasedOct 9, 1952
Runtime1h 27m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelheavy
Daiei Film

Top Cast

Hideko Takamine

Hideko Takamine

Kiyoko

Mitsuko Miura

Mitsuko Miura

Mitsuko

Kyōko Kagawa

Kyōko Kagawa

Tsubomi

Chieko Murata

Chieko Murata

Nuiko

Jun Negami

Jun Negami

Shuzo

Eitarō Ozawa

Eitarō Ozawa

Tsunakichi

Kumeko Urabe

Kumeko Urabe

Osei

Chieko Nakakita

Chieko Nakakita

Ritsu

Hisako Takihana

Hisako Takihana

Tome

Kenjiro Uemura

Kenjiro Uemura

Ryuzo

Kaku Takashina

Kaku Takashina

Bus Driver

Kenichi Miyajima

Kenichi Miyajima

Ask about Lightning

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Naruse adapted this from a Fumiko Hayashi novel and immediately cast Takamine, beginning their legendary 17-film collaboration.

1 item hidden due to spoilers
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