Last night's Essential Cinema selection was one of the best films I've seen in my lifetime. This film made in Japan in 1953 by Yasajiro Ozu is considered one of the 10 greatest films throughout the world. (Of course Chale Nafus' program notes brings us so much information you don't even have to "google.") This director brings us a view of "family" that will immediately defy any assumptions you have made about Japanese filial loyalty. An aging couple from the countryside decide to visit their children in Tokyo and from there we are invited to see what really happens in many families. Children have little time, little interest, and are incredibly self- centered. When asked by other's "aren't you looking forward to grandparenthood?" I will refer them to this film. The daughter-in-law whose husband died in WWII is the touch of grace in this film. She is kind, devoted, loyal and I just wanted to sit next to her to be in her grace. We learn from the notes Ozu was a prolific director making 54 films in 35 years and fortunate to use the same cast and crew. It is his story telling I loved the best about this film. It is not flooded with dialogue. The words spoken are important so you listen intently. The message comes through loud and clear and is uttered softly and silently.
AFS will be bringing a new art house cinema to Austin. That is good. Damn, I wish an F train went there!
I had heard about this film, too, and knew it would be brilliant. When we get back, for sure, and perhaps no F train to get there, either.
ReplyDeleteAddie, It took a moment for me to warm up this film. Not because it defied our western assumptions about the eastern culture, but because the film technique was so simple, no, so subtle. The real life portrayed was so true and truthful than it was overwhelming at times. I have another director to investigate. I missed saying hello. See you next week.
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