I just saw this movie a couple nights ago, and it is truly one of the greatest films ever made. Its overwhelming in its subtlety and evocation of longing, yet it never feels sentimental or bitter or preachy. The story is what it is. The children are neither good nor bad. They are what they are: children who have grown up and have busy lives of their own. Ozu does not condemn them for this, but there is a small stirring of sadness and some regret as you feel the passage of time slipping by.
Absolutely. I had never cried after a movie before. After watching Tokyo Story, I didn't just cry, I bawled, for like 30 minutes straight. It really, really effected me the first time I watched it.
An aging couple travel to Tokyo to see their grown children, and are received with callous indifference, and unexpected warmth and friendship, from those they least expect. It's a film about life, death, human character, and the beautiful small moments of life. I cry my eyes out too when I watch it!
Watched this again last night. Ozu is a wonderful story teller. Hardly any action but you just can't stop watching. "Isn't life disappointing?" "Yes, it is." All said stoically in the aftermath of WWII.
Tokyo Monotagari is one of those movies that I worship until the end of my life. The minimal dialogue, but when it is spoken, the words hit you like a ten ton hammer. Absolute masterpiece of all cinema ever made and ever will be made.
Yes, in addition to the visual cues and the way Ozu blocked his compositions, the dialogue also gives us insight into the characters' feelings and personalities
I cried my eyes out when I saw this film. It seems so simple. You wonder why other films don't match it. You cannot deny that film can be great art when you see this.
I didn’t expect to cry, but this film really moved me. I’ve always heard it was one of the best films of all time…and it’s true. It did not disappoint.
the ending absolutely moved me to tears. i vaguely remember the movie's details but when i saw this all those raw emotions came sweeping back. i consider this as one of the movies truly close to my heart.
Tokyo Story is a masterpiece, because the story is timeless and universal, I holds up as it was filmed yesterday and it's appealing to anyone that calls himself a human being. The flawless simplicity is the work of the genius of Ozu's experience as a director, there is just what it's needed, nothing less, nothing extra. The use of still frames and low seating point of view really add to the work as a whole. A true work of art.
0:18 "Isn't life disappointing?" - "Yes, it is." Heartbreaking scene in a heartbreaking (and truly great) film (;-;) by one of the greatest directors of all time.
Agreed. Japanese did mastered cinema. Thanks to Zen buddhism, even most people dont notice, is introduced thrus this art to everyone: Simplicity, Impermance, suffering and contemplation.
It encapsulates many themes perfectly. How capitalism affected the lives of people in Japan and how the radical changes that took place affected, in particular, the generations of the father and the mother and their children… It also shows how humans are neither evil nor good, humans commit evil acts only when they think it is for some greater good. The children are not at their best, but it is for some greater good(in their minds) They wanted to fulfill the parents needs in terms of a big house and good money so they keep on working in working towards this ideal they forgot their love towards their parents…
I am a Japanese close to 60 and I don’t like Ozu that much, but I do like people cherishing his films from any part of the world. That shows how great Ozu was? I think about how great, humane and decent you are.
It is not just Ozu, Japanese should feel particularly proud of their cinematographic Art. It is one of the best in the World, and certainly the best in the whole Orient.
Thank you and here’s my response years late… To begin with I don’t like cinema lol. But I do like people understanding, interpreting, and cherishing cinema, irrespective of country of production and of the viewers. I generally think those who appreciate piece of art are greater than the piece itself. Surely that would not happen if the piece does not exist, but vice versa. Hence, you are great, deep, humane and decent at least as Tokyo Story and Ozu are.
The emotion carried way through movie is awesome.cinematography in 1953 impressive.human emotional.loneliness,philosophy..its a masterpiece... Movie End with Ship Moving...
Having just seen this, I think the kids (other than the one living in Osaka) kind of get a bum rap. They seem to genuinely care for their parents, but obviously, live modern and independent lives. I saw no cruelty, but of course, it is quite the cultural shift from traditional filial devotion. Still, these kids are in no way disrespectful or ungrateful, at least, not in my mind.
I agree with you and I think the reasonability the children share only makes the emotional impact more devastating, however the only child I felt was objectively disrespectful was the daughter. At least, her materialism and almost freakishly efficient grief really aggravated me during the final movement -- as well as the scene where her father shows up drunk.
I think your opinion is the exact reason this movie is emotional. People care more about their own lives than their family. In this day and age that is widely accepted. Not to say that is a bad thing, but I believe this was the comment Ozu was making. We can relate more to the children because they are accurate depictions of how we treat our own parents.
I agree with you from a western perspective, I imagine the standards of what's respectful might be different. But I also think you have a point in the children not having enough time in a rapidly changing Japan.
The perspectives or views of Asian, especially from South east & East asia (cultures, countries or ethnicities), they are actually being disrespectful to their parent. Asia (south east & east asia region) by & large up until today is a hierarchical society. Obviously, the clashes of values of traditional asia & modern lifestyle has been on going for the past 2 decades for most of asia, but respect for parent is a symbol of respect for leadership in the smallest unit of a society (honorific, titles, high speech for/when talking with parents, elderly are common in asia up until today) And i believe most westeners might have heard the "face saving" culture of asia. You don't even complain directly to your elderly, let alone raising your voice
I watched it today, what's remarkable is I watched it with an audience of all ages from kids to elders and not a peep or misbehaviour from the kids. Considering we are saturated with MARVEL, DC, and star wars and star trek reboots and crap action movies, I didn't expect to get on with Tokyo Story, but his tone is remarkably consistent and the characters are relatable. The irony is like the okdest grabdchimd I probably would not have the piatence with the restraint. 🤭🤭🤭
There's sth ab watching events unfold from a distance that is really emotional and wistful and nostalgic (like it's happening and we are watching it but it's fated to be gone soon), I don't know why still many directors like to use close-ups unimaginatively.
it reflects how our lives are. we all have the life like that. this movie indicates an intrinsic our life. it didn't make it any bigger or exaggerated on our lives. we live just like that even though we changed a little bit nowadays. this video is for nothing special or nothing futility about our lives. our lives are just like that as in this video. we were born, grow, manage daily lives, grow old, get an illness and rest. this is what our life is.
You certainly have a point. For the money he undoubtedly gets paid he could go a little deeper, tell us something that's not entirely obvious. One time he did a similar piece about "It's A Wonderful Life," and his entire point was that the movie wasn't just feel-good holiday thing, parts of it are actually very dark, like the rest of us would have missed that or something if he weren't there to point it out.
Does anybody remember the Japanese film from the 1990s where the man thought he was a train or was pretending he was it’s one of my favourite films. I can’t remember the title.
Is it normal for a 17 year old like me to appreciate films like this? It's simplicity is what makes it masterful. Ive always liked films that reminds us of things that we forget and take for granted
+Johndy Surio I'm 14 and I'm completely in love with this film, it's easily one of my favorite films. I also love Hiroshima Mon Amour (my favorite film), Persona, Mirror (1975), L avventura, The Shining, City Lights, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Mouchette, 2001, Vertigo, Wild Strawberries, Cries & Whispers, The 400 Blows, Le Mépris, La jetée, Rashômon, Jeanne Dielman, Brief Encounter, Barry Lydnon, L Eclisse and some other films are among the most extreordinary experiences I could ever have in my life.
I cry easily during movies, usually from empathy at watching grieving characters. I expected to choke up from this film but most of the family seemed too stoic to really identify with. One film that gave me a lump in the throat so big I almost strangled myself is the movie that inspired this film. "Make Way For Tomorrow" is a film Orson Welles said 'could make a stone cry'. It doesn't have a death scene but it does have an elderly couple saying goodbye for the last time as they're needlessly forced apart from each other. So poignant!
The characters in Tokyo Story have emotion and it's a sensible film. But the emotions and the characters try to conceal them behind a stoic mask. That's just japanese culture of back then, that's how people acted.
This great movie wasn't widely known outside Japan until the 1970s. Domestic dramas from Japan were not exported as it was believed foreign audiences would not be interested in them.
A fine film but incredibly slow. The actors don't really emote everyone has the same expresdion on their face. Also the static cinematography filmed four inches above the floor drove me mad after 2 hours of nothing else. Appreciate the message of the film though.
Totally overrated. Have seen thousands of stories like this. Nothing special. Pace was slow and boring. Nobody could act, all of them look into the camera and read the script. If this film were made today, it would have been DOA.
I just saw this movie a couple nights ago, and it is truly one of the greatest films ever made. Its overwhelming in its subtlety and evocation of longing, yet it never feels sentimental or bitter or preachy. The story is what it is. The children are neither good nor bad. They are what they are: children who have grown up and have busy lives of their own. Ozu does not condemn them for this, but there is a small stirring of sadness and some regret as you feel the passage of time slipping by.
Haven't cried in a long time but after seing this film, I really cried. The movie is poetic, sad and beautiful.
Absolutely. I had never cried after a movie before. After watching Tokyo Story, I didn't just cry, I bawled, for like 30 minutes straight. It really, really effected me the first time I watched it.
Larmes garanties en effet.
I like the remake
That grandmother's monologue , always moved me to the verge of tears.
the flower picking scene is so beautiful. She wouldn't even have to say a word for this scene to move me to tears.
An aging couple travel to Tokyo to see their grown children, and are received with callous indifference, and unexpected warmth and friendship, from those they least expect. It's a film about life, death, human character, and the beautiful small moments of life. I cry my eyes out too when I watch it!
Watched this again last night. Ozu is a wonderful story teller. Hardly any action but you just can't stop watching. "Isn't life disappointing?" "Yes, it is." All said stoically in the aftermath of WWII.
I love the old couple. When they sit in front of the ocean, my chest exploded from how beautiful it was. I wish my parents live forever.
House of usher
😂😂@@adityaraghuvanshi1965
Tokyo Monotagari is one of those movies that I worship until the end of my life. The minimal dialogue, but when it is spoken, the words hit you like a ten ton hammer. Absolute masterpiece of all cinema ever made and ever will be made.
Yes, in addition to the visual cues and the way Ozu blocked his compositions, the dialogue also gives us insight into the characters' feelings and personalities
I cried my eyes out when I saw this film. It seems so simple. You wonder why other films don't match it. You cannot deny that film can be great art when you see this.
Simply the most moving film ever made. A book never "changed my life" but this film did.
I didn’t expect to cry, but this film really moved me. I’ve always heard it was one of the best films of all time…and it’s true. It did not disappoint.
the ending absolutely moved me to tears. i vaguely remember the movie's details but when i saw this all those raw emotions came sweeping back. i consider this as one of the movies truly close to my heart.
Tokyo Story is a masterpiece, because the story is timeless and universal, I holds up as it was filmed yesterday and it's appealing to anyone that calls himself a human being. The flawless simplicity is the work of the genius of Ozu's experience as a director, there is just what it's needed, nothing less, nothing extra. The use of still frames and low seating point of view really add to the work as a whole. A true work of art.
such a beautiful film. I saw it right before going back home for family issues. it will make you cry.
0:18 "Isn't life disappointing?" - "Yes, it is."
Heartbreaking scene in a heartbreaking (and truly great) film (;-;) by one of the greatest directors of all time.
"By the time you become a doctor, I wonder if I'll still be here." Then the look at 2:54 of "probably not." Wow.
It's gotta be way more powerful on the rewatch.
Absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time. Ozu was a master, and hey what about Kurosawa's "Ikiru. Both deep reflections on life.
Loved this movie and the way it portrayed simple life of the couple in the rapidly changing Japan. Pure poetry❤
Agreed. Japanese did mastered cinema. Thanks to Zen buddhism, even most people dont notice, is introduced thrus this art to everyone: Simplicity, Impermance, suffering and contemplation.
If you're not moved by this film I guess you don't think you're going to get old. Yeh, right.
live fast die young 🤘
a.o. Scott is dead on. Tokyo Story is flawless
It encapsulates many themes perfectly.
How capitalism affected the lives of people in Japan and how the radical changes that took place affected, in particular, the generations of the father and the mother and their children…
It also shows how humans are neither evil nor good, humans commit evil acts only when they think it is for some greater good. The children are not at their best, but it is for some greater good(in their minds)
They wanted to fulfill the parents needs in terms of a big house and good money so they keep on working in working towards this ideal they forgot their love towards their parents…
Here's a true masterpiece..
I am a Japanese close to 60 and I don’t like Ozu that much, but I do like people cherishing his films from any part of the world. That shows how great Ozu was? I think about how great, humane and decent you are.
It is not just Ozu, Japanese should feel particularly proud of their cinematographic Art. It is one of the best in the World, and certainly the best in the whole Orient.
Thank you and here’s my response years late… To begin with I don’t like cinema lol. But I do like people understanding, interpreting, and cherishing cinema, irrespective of country of production and of the viewers. I generally think those who appreciate piece of art are greater than the piece itself. Surely that would not happen if the piece does not exist, but vice versa. Hence, you are great, deep, humane and decent at least as Tokyo Story and Ozu are.
The emotion carried way through movie is awesome.cinematography in 1953 impressive.human emotional.loneliness,philosophy..its a masterpiece... Movie End with Ship Moving...
This is a masterpiece for the ages.
I don wanna overlook the role of the music in this movie. It's outstanding.
Thought the same. It seems in Western style and easier for me to follow.
Having just seen this, I think the kids (other than the one living in Osaka) kind of get a bum rap. They seem to genuinely care for their parents, but obviously, live modern and independent lives. I saw no cruelty, but of course, it is quite the cultural shift from traditional filial devotion. Still, these kids are in no way disrespectful or ungrateful, at least, not in my mind.
I agree with you and I think the reasonability the children share only makes the emotional impact more devastating, however the only child I felt was objectively disrespectful was the daughter. At least, her materialism and almost freakishly efficient grief really aggravated me during the final movement -- as well as the scene where her father shows up drunk.
i think a big theme in the movie is how the fast pace of industrialized city lives destroys old family institutions
I think your opinion is the exact reason this movie is emotional. People care more about their own lives than their family. In this day and age that is widely accepted. Not to say that is a bad thing, but I believe this was the comment Ozu was making. We can relate more to the children because they are accurate depictions of how we treat our own parents.
I agree with you from a western perspective, I imagine the standards of what's respectful might be different. But I also think you have a point in the children not having enough time in a rapidly changing Japan.
The perspectives or views of Asian, especially from South east & East asia (cultures, countries or ethnicities), they are actually being disrespectful to their parent.
Asia (south east & east asia region) by & large up until today is a hierarchical society.
Obviously, the clashes of values of traditional asia & modern lifestyle has been on going for the past 2 decades for most of asia, but respect for parent is a symbol of respect for leadership in the smallest unit of a society (honorific, titles, high speech for/when talking with parents, elderly are common in asia up until today)
And i believe most westeners might have heard the "face saving" culture of asia.
You don't even complain directly to your elderly, let alone raising your voice
Should do a review of ikiru.
日本映画というとダイナミックな映像表現の黒澤がすぐ上げられましが。
その対極にいる小津は定位置に座って存在感を感じさせないカメラがじっくり人間の機微を写し取っていきます。
穏やかな物語の展開や独特の生活様式が外国の方には理解しにくいかと思いましたが、
多くの方のコメントを読んで安心しました。
I just watched it this week for the first time. Such a beautiful movie.
Love this Film SO MUCH!!!
I watched it today, what's remarkable is I watched it with an audience of all ages from kids to elders and not a peep or misbehaviour from the kids.
Considering we are saturated with MARVEL, DC, and star wars and star trek reboots and crap action movies, I didn't expect to get on with Tokyo Story, but his tone is remarkably consistent and the characters are relatable.
The irony is like the okdest grabdchimd I probably would not have the piatence with the restraint. 🤭🤭🤭
There's sth ab watching events unfold from a distance that is really emotional and wistful and nostalgic (like it's happening and we are watching it but it's fated to be gone soon), I don't know why still many directors like to use close-ups unimaginatively.
was it too hard to write “something” and “about”?
it reflects how our lives are. we all have the life like that. this movie indicates an intrinsic our life. it didn't make it any bigger or exaggerated on our lives. we live just like that even though we changed a little bit nowadays. this video is for nothing special or nothing futility about our lives. our lives are just like that as in this video. we were born, grow, manage daily lives, grow old, get an illness and rest. this is what our life is.
This is a fabulous movie - one that will stay with you.
Tokyo Story is a great film. Late Spring is even better.
It'll be shown soon where I live. I loved Tokyo Story, and can't wait to see the others!
@@EscargoTouChaud Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
I'll add Early Summer. All three films are perfect. Cinematic heaven.
Let’s not get crazy
Tokyo Story is better flim
everything good said about the film and ozu and most of his works are true
it reminds me of a verismo opera set in japan without the singing
You certainly have a point. For the money he undoubtedly gets paid he could go a little deeper, tell us something that's not entirely obvious. One time he did a similar piece about "It's A Wonderful Life," and his entire point was that the movie wasn't just feel-good holiday thing, parts of it are actually very dark, like the rest of us would have missed that or something if he weren't there to point it out.
Yes, a wonderful film.
a perfect film
Tokyo Story is one of my favourite films
Noriko=best wifu
But her late husband apparantly not best husubandu.
Does anybody remember the Japanese film from the 1990s where the man thought he was a train or was pretending he was it’s one of my favourite films. I can’t remember the title.
There is beautiful Kurosawa as you describe, Dodeskaden, from 1970. Don't waste your time with imitations, Kurosawa's film is the one to see.
A completely perfect movie
The guy presenting this looks like Benjamin Linus from LOST
where can one watch this film on the internets?
there is on youtube. i just saw it the other day.
Is it normal for a 17 year old like me to appreciate films like this? It's simplicity is what makes it masterful. Ive always liked films that reminds us of things that we forget and take for granted
I watched 8 1/2 at the age of 11 and I thought it was one of the greatest films of all time
Fellini was masterful, its great to be able to watch that
I'm 15! and this is obviously one of my favorite movies, so far at least..
+balmbola
+Johndy Surio I'm 14 and I'm completely in love with this film, it's easily one of my favorite films. I also love Hiroshima Mon Amour (my favorite film), Persona, Mirror (1975), L avventura, The Shining, City Lights, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Mouchette, 2001, Vertigo, Wild Strawberries, Cries & Whispers, The 400 Blows, Le Mépris, La jetée, Rashômon, Jeanne Dielman, Brief Encounter, Barry Lydnon, L Eclisse and some other films are among the most extreordinary experiences I could ever have in my life.
I cry easily during movies, usually from empathy at watching grieving characters. I expected to choke up from this film but most of the family seemed too stoic to really identify with.
One film that gave me a lump in the throat so big I almost strangled myself is the movie that inspired this film. "Make Way For Tomorrow" is a film Orson Welles said 'could make a stone cry'. It doesn't have a death scene but it does have an elderly couple saying goodbye for the last time as they're needlessly forced apart from each other. So poignant!
The characters in Tokyo Story have emotion and it's a sensible film. But the emotions and the characters try to conceal them behind a stoic mask. That's just japanese culture of back then, that's how people acted.
great film
Honor your Father and Mother. Fourth Commandment
I watched Tokyo Story twice last year & I don't get it.
How is it perfect? I must be an imbecile.
It was greatly influenced by Leo McCarey's Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
فوقالعاده 🌺🌺🌺
is weird how this movie never won an oscar
we live in a white defined world
thanks for the correction
This great movie wasn't widely known outside Japan until the 1970s. Domestic dramas from Japan were not exported as it was believed foreign audiences would not be interested in them.
The Oscars aren't the final word in determining which films are great.
AND YOU REALISE THAT a lot of animes nowadays are like this. Slow, inconspicuous and moving.
A fine film but incredibly slow. The actors don't really emote everyone has the same expresdion on their face. Also the static cinematography filmed four inches above the floor drove me mad after 2 hours of nothing else. Appreciate the message of the film though.
The subtly is what gets me. They have spent their lives on their children, who ignore them.
Totally overrated. Have seen thousands of stories like this. Nothing special. Pace was slow and boring. Nobody could act, all of them look into the camera and read the script. If this film were made today, it would have been DOA.
Cringe
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LOL.
Go back to your crappy action movies with ridiculous plots... We don't care...
All the things you mention here as flaws is exactly what makes it work