This is my first introduction to an Ozu movie. I see that other reviewers have described it as a comedy, but I didn't have that impression at all. Maybe I was in a somber mood. It was a good story, with some spurts of mild comedy, but surprisingly I found myself focusing on the cultural information that was coming through. Barely two decades. After WW2, I was amazed at the westernization of the characters in their dress, at least the business people, and their drinking bar room scenes. I experienced it myself in a brief Tokyo business trip in the 1980s.
I was really thrilled to see the home style living conditions so pristine and neat. I always wonder how there can be no clutter in these Japanese homes. It certainly is inspirational on how to maintain a beautiful living space. I was fascinated by the meek walking style and beautiful outfits and clothing of the women, and the home rituals and traditions, from bathing to dining to sharing a drink cup to the respectful caring for the aging father. The wooden-block walking sandals (outdoor) made an impression on me too . As a fun and interesting aside, I noticed a smooth and athletic move of transitioning from a sitting kneeling position and bouncing up to a standing position. I'm going to practice that.
Such a strong and intelligent culture, circa 1965. It shows a very interesting mix of Japanese tradition and newer western influence. I wonder how realistic it was in the movie, compared to real life at that time.
Another aspect of the film was the actors looking directly into the camera, as if talking directly to me! That tactic was used a lot but not exclusively. I really enjoyed it.
Culturally it was also interesting to see the married daughter, Fumiko, who lives with the father, ordering him around and trying to enforce discipline. I didn't think that was well tolerated by the patriarch of Japanese families.
All of the actors were so beautiful and handsome but I have to say daughter Fumiko (Michiyo Aratama) was jaw-dropping arresting, especially when she looked directly into the camera and seemed to talk to me!
Another reviewer suggested that beginner Ozu watchers should see Tokyo Story, and also Floating Weeds. I'll do that.
I was really thrilled to see the home style living conditions so pristine and neat. I always wonder how there can be no clutter in these Japanese homes. It certainly is inspirational on how to maintain a beautiful living space. I was fascinated by the meek walking style and beautiful outfits and clothing of the women, and the home rituals and traditions, from bathing to dining to sharing a drink cup to the respectful caring for the aging father. The wooden-block walking sandals (outdoor) made an impression on me too . As a fun and interesting aside, I noticed a smooth and athletic move of transitioning from a sitting kneeling position and bouncing up to a standing position. I'm going to practice that.
Such a strong and intelligent culture, circa 1965. It shows a very interesting mix of Japanese tradition and newer western influence. I wonder how realistic it was in the movie, compared to real life at that time.
Another aspect of the film was the actors looking directly into the camera, as if talking directly to me! That tactic was used a lot but not exclusively. I really enjoyed it.
Culturally it was also interesting to see the married daughter, Fumiko, who lives with the father, ordering him around and trying to enforce discipline. I didn't think that was well tolerated by the patriarch of Japanese families.
All of the actors were so beautiful and handsome but I have to say daughter Fumiko (Michiyo Aratama) was jaw-dropping arresting, especially when she looked directly into the camera and seemed to talk to me!
Another reviewer suggested that beginner Ozu watchers should see Tokyo Story, and also Floating Weeds. I'll do that.