I Was Born, But...

Running time: N/A

Yasujiro Ozu?s quiet, minimalist style looks deceptively simple, but his films contain an exquisite grace and emotional power that belie this deceptive simplicity. His first masterpiece was this charming, boisterous and ultimately quite moving film, with its keen observations on family relationships and Japanese middle class society (Ozu?s favorite subjects). Two young boys and their parents move to the Tokyo suburbs after their father receives a promotion. The boys overcome the neighborhood bullies and immerse themselves in the childhood rituals of their new little world. Meanwhile, their father is immersed in the adult rituals of his job, including being obsequious and subservient to his boss. When the boys witness this behavior, they are appalled and disgusted, but eventually come to realize that this will likely become their future role in society, too. This story of the loss of childhood innocence with the realization of adult hypocrisy is simple yet stunning, funny and sad, and not to be missed.

With Jim Riggs at the Wurlitzer organ.