Absolutely lovely film about the struggles of a young family. Goro and Chiyo are raising their young child, Taro, alone in an apartment. Taro occasionally narrates over these moments, but for the most part the focus is split between young Taro playing and exploring and his parents talking about their various challenges in raising him. How much of Japanese cinema have I missed out on by primarily being focused on Kurosawa and Ozu and whatever schlocky kaiju film I can get my grubby little fingers on? Apparently a lot, as this is my first Kon Ichikawa film. The way Ichikawa subtly blends in Taro’s imagination into scenes is breathtaking. The moon and candle scene comes to mind, but also the banana moon animation as well. I also just adore how the more “grown up” scenes are shot. It’s not structured and geometric like Ozu or blocked out meticulously like Kurosawa, but it feels incredibly natural and vibrant in its own right. The camera feels invisible in a way, a rather nice way.
Absolutely lovely film about the struggles of a young family. Goro and Chiyo are raising their young child, Taro, alone in an apartment. Taro occasionally narrates over these moments, but for the most part the focus is split between young Taro playing and exploring and his parents talking about their various challenges in raising him. How much of Japanese cinema have I missed out on by primarily being focused on Kurosawa and Ozu and whatever schlocky kaiju film I can get my grubby little fingers on? Apparently a lot, as this is my first Kon Ichikawa film. The way Ichikawa subtly blends in Taro’s imagination into scenes is breathtaking. The moon and candle scene comes to mind, but also the banana moon animation as well. I also just adore how the more “grown up” scenes are shot. It’s not structured and geometric like Ozu or blocked out meticulously like Kurosawa, but it feels incredibly natural and vibrant in its own right. The camera feels invisible in a way, a rather nice way.
