The Ballad of Narayama

*The Ballad of Narayama* is a Japanese film or story that explores themes of aging, duty, and societal expectations through the life of a woman named Orin. In her village, elderly people nearing 70 are taken to a remote mountain called Narayama to die, as a societal practice meant to respect resources and communal well-being. The story examines the emotional and moral complexities of this tradition, highlighting the human cost of societal norms and the dignity found in accepting one’s fate. It offers a poignant reflection on aging, family, and the sacrifices made for community cohesion.