Tokyo Story

I watched Yasujiro Ozu's "Tokyo Story" earlier this weekend, and after letting it sink in, I'm pretty sure this is one of the best films I've ever seen. Its slow pacing seems to allow the film to do exactly what it wants: serve as a window into 50s Japanese society. It's probably the most universal film I've ever witnessed; themes of loss, family, and generational differences are handled with such gentle grace and subtle beauty that I was actually drawn to tears. No other film has ever connected with me in such a way. Anyone who has lost a loved one or drifted apart from their family will be touched -and perhaps even changed- by "Tokyo Story".

The actors are all wonderful as well. They often speak in code, suggesting different things with words that are usually completely ordinary. Ozu's direction is unique as well. Only once does his camera ever move; throughout the film, it simply moves from one shot to the next. It's like learning a whole new cinematic language.

Anyways, there's my two cents on this masterpiece. I notice there isn't much discussion about Ozu or "Tokyo Story" around MoFo, so feel free to add your opinion about it.

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"Puns are the highest form of literature." -Alfred Hitchcock

Tokyo Story is a pretty amazing film. It's one of those movies that I watch then can't sleep at night because certain scenes will pop up in my head and I can't stop thinking about it. I was really moved when I first saw it too, Hitchfan. (and still am when I watch it.) There is such a powerful quietness to the film. One of my favorites.