Tokyo Story

Tokyo Monogatari/Tokyo Story (1953) is a BFI Film Classics study that explores the making, meaning, and legacy of Ozu Yasujiro's masterpiece, offering a profound insight into post-war Japan's generational shifts. Alastair Phillips provides an in-depth analysis of the film's key locations and its representation of Japanese society, situating it within various critical and industrial contexts and examining its international dimensions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Tokyo Monogatari / Tokyo Story (1953) is a masterpiece of Japanese cinema that has been universally acknowledged as one of the most significant films ever made. This BFI Film Classics study reveals the making, meaning, and legacy behind the film, offering a profound and poignant insight into the generational shifts of post-war Japan. Alastair Phillips provides an in-depth analysis of the film and its key locations, including the city of Tokyo, the town of Onomichi, and the coastal resort of Atami. He situates the film within various contemporary critical and industrial contexts and examines the multiple international dimensions of Tokyo Story's long after-life to understand its enormous contribution to global film culture.

The film follows the story of an elderly couple, Noriko and Keisuke, who return to Tokyo after living in the countryside for many years. Noriko is a retired schoolteacher, while Keisuke is a retired businessman. They are greeted by their daughter, Kyoko, and her family, who live in a small apartment in the city. The film explores the complex relationships between the family members, as well as the changing social and cultural landscape of post-war Japan.

One of the key themes of Tokyo Monogatari / Tokyo Story is the importance of family. The film shows how the family is a source of strength and support for Noriko and Keisuke, even as they face the challenges of aging and illness. The film also explores the tensions that can arise within families, particularly when there are different expectations and values.

Another important theme of the film is the changing social and cultural landscape of post-war Japan. The film shows how the city of Tokyo has transformed from a bustling metropolis to a more modern and cosmopolitan city. The film also explores the impact of Western culture on Japanese society, particularly in terms of fashion, music, and entertainment.

Tokyo Monogatari / Tokyo Story is shot in black and white, which gives the film a timeless quality. The film's cinematography is stunning, with long shots of the city and its surroundings, as well as close-ups of the characters' faces. The film's soundtrack is also important, with a mix of traditional Japanese music and Western music.

The film has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1954. The film has also been included in numerous lists of the greatest films of all time, including the British Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest films of all time.

Despite its success, Tokyo Monogatari / Tokyo Story has been criticized for its portrayal of women. Some critics have argued that the film's portrayal of women is stereotypical and sexist, with women being portrayed as subservient to men. However, others have argued that the film's portrayal of women is a reflection of the social and cultural norms of post-war Japan.

In conclusion, Tokyo Monogatari / Tokyo Story is a masterpiece of Japanese cinema that has been universally acknowledged as one of the most significant films ever made. The film's complex portrait of human motivation and lively sense of social space offers a profound and poignant insight into the generational shifts of post-war Japan. Alastair Phillips provides an in-depth analysis of the film and its key locations, situating the film within various contemporary critical and industrial contexts and examining the multiple international dimensions of Tokyo Story's long after-life. Despite its criticism for its portrayal of women, the film remains a classic of Japanese cinema that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 188 x 136 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911239239