As I was watching the documentary series The Story of Film last year (a must see for every movie lover), Tokyo story was a movie which was mentioned regularly. The way in which director Yasujirô Ozu placed his camera, often at the height you would sit on the floor, is praised in it, but also that every shot has a deep focus, which allows you to see what is happening everywhere. With that knowledge in the back of my mind it was interesting to see this movie.
Its story is really not that special. An elderly couple who live far outside Tokyo, decide to make the long journey to the city to visit their various children. In the days they are there, they notice that their children are constantly busy and don’t even take the time to give them some attention. They even send them away to a resort so they can rest. The only person who is really there for them is the widow of their deceased son.
This movie mainly made me think about the way in which I treat the people I care about. Do I talk to them often enough? Do I send them little text messages, if only to ask how they are doing? That’s the way Tokyo story touched me. I can understand though that some people might call it a slow and uneventful movie, but I was able to enjoy it for its simplicity and beautifully framed shots.
