Where Chimneys Are Seen (1953) | Region-Free (DVD) | English Subtitles

**DISC ONLY**

Source:   DVD w/ English Subtitles.

Title: Where Chimneys Are Seen (1953)

Genre: Drama

Plot Synopsis:
Set in a lower-middle-class neighborhood in post-war Tokyo, the film follows the intertwined lives of two couples. Ryukichi Ogata and his wife Hiroko share their home with Kenzō and Senko, an unmarried pair renting the upper floor. Their quiet lives are disrupted when an abandoned baby is left at their doorstep, accompanied by a note suggesting it is Hiroko’s child from a previous marriage. This unexpected arrival forces each character to confront hidden pasts, financial struggles, and the emotional complexities of love and responsibility, all within the confines of their close-knit community.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Heinosuke Gosho
• Writers: Hideo Oguni (screenplay), Rinzō Shiina (novel)
• Cast:
  • Kinuyo Tanaka as Hiroko Ogata
  • Ken Uehara as Ryukichi Ogata
  • Hideko Takamine as Senko Azuma
  • Hiroshi Akutagawa as Kenzō Kubo
  • Chieko Seki as Yukiko Ikeda

IMDb Link:
Where Chimneys Are Seen (1953) 

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Cindy_J – ★★★★★
   “It’s easy to see why Where Chimneys Are Seen is considered one of the great Japanese post-war movies and a prime example of shomin-geki (home drama). Gosho connects personal narratives to the broader human experience with remarkable intimacy. The metaphorical use of the chimneys is especially poignant, making this a deeply moving and thought-provoking film.”

2. Moresbi – ★★★★
   “Where Chimneys Are Seen is a well-crafted and engaging film. The story revolves around a married couple and their upstairs tenants whose lives take a drastic turn when an abandoned baby is left at their home. With outstanding performances from Kinuyo Tanaka and Hideko Takamine, this is an emotionally resonant and beautifully shot classic.”

3. trolleyfreak – ★★★★½
   “This film, which established Gosho’s international reputation, is among his finest. The story is minimal, but the focus on lower-middle-class struggles gives it incredible depth. Gosho’s ability to blend comedy, romance, and tragedy is on full display here. A truly great work.”

4. Ian_Johnston – ★★★½
   “A touching, character-driven drama that highlights the everyday struggles of post-war Japanese families. Rather than broad social commentary, Gosho focuses on personal, intimate moments, making for a compelling and deeply human film.”

5. Pablo Knote – ★★★★½
   “A bittersweet, excellently directed Gosho film. While the premise is dramatic, the film maintains a strong sense of warmth. The performances and cinematography are exceptional, making this one of the best examples of post-war Japanese cinema.”

Meta Description:
Where Chimneys Are Seen (1953) is a Japanese drama directed by Heinosuke Gosho. Set in post-war Tokyo, the film follows two couples whose lives are disrupted when an abandoned baby arrives on their doorstep. With themes of love, responsibility, and personal struggle, this classic shomin-geki film offers a heartfelt look at everyday life in Japan.