February 21st Tokyo Story
Dir: Yasujiro Ozu
1953, 136 mins, Japan, Cert U
This recently re-released classic tells the story of a couple
who leave their rural village to visit their two married
children and grandchildren who live in bustling postwar
Tokyo. To their distress, they find that their family is too
busy to spend time with them and the only real warmth
they enjoy comes from their widowed daughter-in-law. A
simple narrative but the rich and complex characterization
of the family members results in a film of emotional power.
Universally acclaimed as a masterpiece by film directors
and critics.