Tokyo Story (1953) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Elderly couple Shukishi and Tomi Hirayama live in the small coastal village of Onomichi, Japan with their youngest daughter, schoolteacher Kyoko Hirayama. Their other three surviving adult children, who they have not seen in quite some time, live either in Tokyo or Osaka. As such, Shukishi and Tomi make the unilateral decision to have an extended visit in Tokyo with their children, pediatrician Koichi Hirayama and beautician Shige Kaneko, and their respective families (which includes two grandchildren). In transit, they make an unexpected stop in Osaka and stay with their other son, Keiso Hirayama. All of their children treat the visit more as an obligation than a want, each trying to figure out what to do with their parents while they continue on with their own daily lives. At one point, they even decide to ship their parents off to an inexpensive resort at Atami Hot Springs rather than spend time with them. The only offspring who makes a concerted effort on this trip is Noriko Hirayama, their widowed daughter-in-law, whose husband, Shoji Hirayama, was killed eight years earlier in the war. Following the vacation, each child comes to some conclusion of their general behavior toward their parents, not only on this trip but throughout their entire adult lives. For some, this realization may come too late.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in 1953, Tokyo Story was met with a modest reception in Japan, where its subtle storytelling and deliberate pacing contrasted sharply with the more dynamic films popular at the time. Internationally, however, it garnered significant attention and praise for its universal themes and emotional depth. While not an immediate box office success, the film's reputation grew steadily as it was screened at various international film festivals, gaining recognition for its poignant exploration of familial relationships and cultural change in post-war Japan.

Notable critics have since championed Tokyo Story for its masterful direction and profound narrative. Roger Ebert later included it in his "Great Movies" series, commending director Yasujirō Ozu's "profoundly empathetic" approach to storytelling. In contemporary assessments, the film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting its timeless relevance and emotional resonance. The BFI's Sight & Sound poll of 2012 even placed it as the third greatest film ever made, reflecting its elevated status in the cinematic canon.

The lasting impact of Tokyo Story is evident in its influence on filmmakers and its frequent inclusion in discussions of the greatest films of all time. Directors such as Wim Wenders and Paul Schrader have cited Ozu's work as a significant inspiration, noting his unique ability to capture the essence of human experience. The film's enduring legacy is marked by its profound simplicity and the universal themes of family and regret, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of world cinema.