Tokyo Story
(Tokyo monogatari)
Release date 3rd November 1953
Country : Japan
Running time : 136 mins
Genre : Drama
Starring Chishu Ryu, Chiego Higashiyama,  Setsuko Hara
 Screenplay by Yasujiro Ozu and Kogo Noda
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu



A mother and father visit their family in Tokyo but find that the children have little time for them. They are sent to a spa to recuperate but Mother becomes ill.

A very moving film which is understated and elegant in its spare story-telling style. There are few major camera moves, just shots at a low angle observing the actors, it certainly gives it a documentary truth. The story as well is universal in its theme of parents growing apart from their children and being disappointed by them.

 

"As a study of family life and generational relationships the film can be mentioned in the same breath as King Lear." From a review by Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian