Everything about it feels gentle and considered. But beneath the politeness and repetition, the film is far more observant than it lets on. I didn’t find any real flaws in the script, though it’s not that kind of film anyway. It doesn’t depend on plot mechanics or dramatic turns. Its strength lies in how naturally everything unfolds. Nothing dramatic happens, and nothing needs to. The conflicts are small, but recognisable. The humour is quiet, the observations are subtle, and nothing competes for your attention. It’s the kind of film that clears your head rather than fills it. Simple, sincere, and quietly generous.

Everything about it feels gentle and considered. But beneath the politeness and repetition, the film is far more observant than it lets on. I didn’t find any real flaws in the script, though it’s not that kind of film anyway. It doesn’t depend on plot mechanics or dramatic turns. Its strength lies in how naturally everything unfolds. Nothing dramatic happens, and nothing needs to. The conflicts are small, but recognisable. The humour is quiet, the observations are subtle, and nothing competes for your attention. It’s the kind of film that clears your head rather than fills it. Simple, sincere, and quietly generous.

One director whose work often can be described as universal is Ozu. But this more than any other film of his, seems the most universal. Reconfiguring the ethos of his ’32 I was Born, But…, Ozu perfects his good-natured criticism. Like Chishu Ryu’s final scolding, we know Ozu’s smiling underneath.

I’m not an expert in poop and fart humour, but I have to imagine Ozu is among the first to do an onscreen running shart joke. This isn’t his first film to feature kids, but I think it’s his best. The brother dynamics are perfected. Everything from imitations, to phrases (“I love you”), to physical gestures, it all captures the purity of childhood innocence and honesty. The shrewdness of a child’s eye, observing the superfluity with which adults communicate, exposes the façade of polite society.

Also, I can’t help but wonder if the hula-hoop shot here inspired the hula-hoop scene in The Power of the Dog?

This is the Ozu I would show everyone. While Tokyo Story might be his most transcendent, this is his most pure.

100 million idiots… Sorry, Ozu, but I think that number ended up being a bit short…

One director whose work often can be described as universal is Ozu. But this more than any other film of his, seems the most universal. Reconfiguring the ethos of his ’32 I was Born, But…, Ozu perfects his good-natured criticism. Like Chishu Ryu’s final scolding, we know Ozu’s smiling underneath.

I’m not an expert in poop and fart humour, but I have to imagine Ozu is among the first to do an onscreen running shart joke. This isn’t his first film to feature kids, but I think it’s his best. The brother dynamics are perfected. Everything from imitations, to phrases (“I love you”), to physical gestures, it all captures the purity of childhood innocence and honesty. The shrewdness of a child’s eye, observing the superfluity with which adults communicate, exposes the façade of polite society.

Also, I can’t help but wonder if the hula-hoop shot here inspired the hula-hoop scene in The Power of the Dog?

This is the Ozu I would show everyone. While Tokyo Story might be his most transcendent, this is his most pure.

100 million idiots… Sorry, Ozu, but I think that number ended up being a bit short…

i couldn't stand the kids tbh but it's still a chill, low-stakes drama with some pretty technicolor. good stuff if you can forgive the many, many fart jokes.

i couldn't stand the kids tbh but it's still a chill, low-stakes drama with some pretty technicolor. good stuff if you can forgive the many, many fart jokes.

i did not care for Good Morning

i did not care for Good Morning

really beautiful sound and lighting. family family family.... shall we read the conversation discussion manual? salesman salesman salesman. such is life. tv time

really beautiful sound and lighting. family family family.... shall we read the conversation discussion manual? salesman salesman salesman. such is life. tv time