Tokyo Story is one of the greatest films ever made. It's the work of director Ozu Yasujiro. The movie tells the story of an elderly couple who travel to the big city (Tokyo) to visit their adult children and grandchildren. The children are too busy leading their own lives, and seem more irritated than pleased by their parents' visit. The only person who seems to care is their widowed daughter-in-law Noriko played by Hara Setsuko.
This could be the story of just about any family in the world, which is why the movie is so universal and approachable. The film shows us how children can grow up and neglect their parents.
I first saw this movie in a theater back in the 1970's when it was released in America. I bought the VHS version when it came out, and later, the DVD. There is no wishy-washy sentimentality and no contrived emotion in this film. Just an honest and sometimes sad portrayal of family life. This movie will make you cry. And it will also make you think about your own parents, and whether you can be kinder to them.
2 comments:
I think it's just human nature. People become absorbed in their own lives and put their parents on the back burner, so to speak.
Near the end of this movie, two women are having a discussion about life. One of them is upset with the way her siblings treated their mom and dad. She declares that the world is disgusting. The other woman just smiles and says something to the effect of, "Yes, that's the way the world is." She can smile because she understands that life is full of disappointments. She's just learned to live with them.
After my mother died, I tried to learn more about my family's history. I later developed an interest in Japanese movies and music. I think my mom would have approved, though not necessarily in my choice of films. :)
Oh, one other thing. I took up gardening after my mom died. Gardening was one of her passions. It's become one of mine too. So she lives on through me. Someone once told me my mother will always be with me. At first, I didn't understand what that meant. But I do now.
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