Tokyo Story

Starring: Chishu Ryu, Chieko Higashiyama, So Yamamura, Setsuko Hara, Haruko Sugimura, Kuniko Miyake, Kyoko Kagawa, Eijiro Tono, Nobuo Nakamura
Directed by: Yasugiro Ozu
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama
1953

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An elderly couple visit their children in Tokyo.

Review:

Tim: I'd first heard about Yasugiro Ozu in a book I was reading (The Elegance of the Hedgehog) and based on that, I watched Ozu's Tokyo Story. I'd read enough to anticipate seeing a great movie, but I still underestimated how incredible this movie would be. It's widely regarded as Ozu's masterpiece and it's absolutely one of the best movies I have ever seen. The movie is subtly brilliant as Ozu seemingly casts a spell over the audience. I may struggle to verbalize how much I enjoyed this movie and the amazing feats he pulls off here.

I don't know enough about filmmaking to go into great detail, but Ozu's style was shockingly minimalist and intimate. This, coupled with the glacial pacing of the film pulls you into the story. You easily forget you're watching a movie- who would make such a film? Your mind is tricked into believing in these characters, like you magically were able to watch them as they go about their ordinary lives. The camerawork is masterful, where Ozu can hold your attention during the simplest of tasks. I was riveted watching people do nothing and I didn't understand it, but I was wildly entertained. As the movie progresses (and at 2 hours, 16 minutes, it's a long one), you get pulled into these characters' lives. I never felt a sense of boredom because Ozu doesn't change pace much- no parts of the film drag because the entire film drags, purposefully and intentionally. Watching this movie was unlike any other viewing experience. The low camera angle, the stationary shots, it all creates this powerful effect that absolutely shouldn't work, but it completely does. That's Ozu's chief genius- he uses these styles and approaches to tell this spellbinding, powerful story about regular people. There's never anything flashy or stylistic about the movie. It's plain, straightforward, simple. I didn't expect to see that in the absence of all the trappings of typical movies, you get right to the heart of the matter. The characters feel real because you're watching them do the most mundane things, just like in real life. It was incredible to watch.

The performances in this film astounded me. I loved Chishu Ryu in this movie. I'm quite frankly astounded by what he did. I was transfixed by his performance- his every move, gesture, the way he held himself. It's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen and he never seems to break the placid exterior. I felt like I could watch him forever, doing quite literally anything. Likewise, Chieko Higashiyama is fantastic as Ryu's partner. Higashiyama's performance snuck up on me. Whereas Ryu's gravitas pulls you in immediately, it feels easy to dismiss Higashiyama's character at first. As the film progresses, though, you learn to love her character. Seeing her in these situations, watching her movements and her quiet statements, it eventually just breaks your heart. Her performance was so authentic and so beautiful. I was amazed by what she did throughout the course of this film.

I also have to highlight Setsuko Hara's exceptional work. As much as I rave about Ryu and Higashiyama, Hara gave my favorite performance of the film. It feels like there's always stronger personalities around her, but you watch her character carve a life out for herself in the midst of all that. Her performance is filled with heartbreak and longing, great strength to overcome tragedy and resilience to continue on day after day. Hara's performance is one I will never forget. It was absolutely beautiful from start to finish- she was my favorite part of the film. Haruko Sugimura definitely gets a flashier role- her performance is more energetic and memorable than most. She played that role very well. The rest of the cast is all good, too. They all give such authentic, believable performances.

I'm still not entirely sure how or why I loved Tokyo Story as much as I did. Even now, as I write this, I'm filled with such happiness as I reflect on this family. Their story is anything but happy, but it feels like I'm recalling real people who I spent a little time with. The story is oftentimes sad and the pain and heartache lingers, but it felt real. That's perhaps Ozu's greatest accomplishment here. He made something artificial that truly feels real. It's a big reason why Tokyo Story is a masterpiece of a film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8.5



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