The film is set in post-World War II Japan, where a mother mourns the death of her son who became a victim of the atomic bomb. The music, or at least most of it, feels somewhat alike. Apart from some flashes of noise, soundscapes and strange musical outbursts, this album beautifully depicts the mother's despair and her loneliness. The piano is the central element, here and there accompagnied by string instruments.
There are 28 songs and flashes of soundscapes on this album, eventually clocking off at an hour or so. It's everything you would expect from a mastermind like Sakamoto, who can show genius in the most minimalistic tunes. If you're a fan of his work, you definitely need to get your hands on this soundtrack. Same counts for fans of classical music and somewhat experimental ambient. This is a fascinating score.
Serge