The Bottom Line
Universal in theme, humanistic, and accessible, "Tokyo Story" is one of the greatest masterpieces of world cinema. To my mind, this movie’s incredible power comes from its seeming simplicity, which allows emotions to build slowly and subtly, much as they do in real life. It's a mark of Ozu's genius that by the time the film reaches its end, it moves me with a power that feels more like reality experienced than make-believe.
Pros
- Film is one of the greatest masterpieces of world cinema
- Universal in theme, humanistic, and accessible
- Moving exploration of relationship between aging parents and their adult children
Cons
- Pacing may be too deliberate for some viewers
- Dramatic tension is subtle, and there may not be enough action for some viewers
- Quiet, contemplative style of movie will not suit all viewers’ temperaments
Description
- Two-disc Criterion Collection DVD set containing Japanese-language drama "Tokyo Story" (1953)
- Movie ranks #5 in 2002 "Sight and Sound" Critics’ Poll
- Film directed and co-written by Yasujiro Ozu
- DVD contains feature-length audio commentary by Ozu scholar David Desser
- DVD set contains "I Lived, But … " (1983), a 2-hour documentary on life and career of Ozu
- DVD set contains "Talking With Ozu" (1993), a 40-minute tribute to Ozu from movie directors
- Very good restoration of sound and picture, though quality not quite pristine
