Maboroshi no hikari (Maborosi) (Illusion)

Maboroshi no hikari (Maborosi) (Illusion) (1995)

  • 100% of critics liked it
    (16 reviews)

  • 82% of users liked it
    (1,601 ratings)

Japanese documentarian Hirokazu Kore-eda made his first dramatic feature with this austere drama, which recalls the visual and narrative style of Yasujiro Ozu. Yukimo (Makiko Esumi) is married to Ikuo (Tadanobu Asano), a happy and humble man who loves her very much. While Yukimo and Ikuo are content… More

Unrated,
Directed By
Written By
Yoshihisa Ogita
Genres
Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1995 Wide

Critic Reviews

  • Derek Adams, Time Out

    The tale is told in contemplative wide-angle shots; the absence of any spurious, unearned intimacy with the characters makes the climactic scenes profoundly moving.

  • Stephen Holden, New York Times

    The film, which was made with only natural light, draws the viewer into its spiritual mood with one breathtaking shot after another, as the camera draws back to contemplate Yumiko from afar.

  • Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

    Nothing is casual and nothing is wasted in Maborosi.

  • James Berardinelli, ReelViews

    Maborosi is a worthwhile movie experience not because it ventures into virgin territory, but because its presentation is so precise and unique.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Maborosi is one of those valuable films where you have to actively place yourself in the character's mind. There are times when we do not know what she is thinking, but we are inspired with an active sympathy.

Read all 13 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Lesley N


    I knew nothing about this film before I watched it (rare in itself) and not a whole heap more after it had finished. I don't speak Japanese, so even the title gave nothing away. It's a slow film, a mood piece I guess about the aftermath of a young woman and her… More

Currently unavailable on Flixster

Also available on

Other Retailers

Not Available
Not Available
Not Available

Subscription Services

Not Available
Not Available
Not Available

Cast

See more (17)