A 1950’s Japanese masterpiece

Monday 19 August 2019

Tokyo Story is a subtle yet overwhelmingly emotional drama from one of Japan's finest directors whose masterful eye and scrupulous attention to character has influenced countless filmmakers around the world.

Still from Tokyo Story

Tokyo Story will be shown on the Auckland campus next month - the last in the monthly Japanese film series for 2019. © 1953 Shochiku Co. Ltd.

Last updated: Friday 20 May 2022

When an elderly couple travel to a rapidly-rebuilding post-war Tokyo to visit their children, they are met with unexpected indifference, ingratitude and selfishness.

Tokyo Story is a subtle yet overwhelmingly emotional drama from one of Japan's finest directors whose masterful eye and scrupulous attention to character has influenced countless filmmakers around the world.

Released in Japan in 1953, Yasujiro Ozu's film did not immediately gain international recognition and was considered "too Japanese" to be marketable offshore. The film screened in London in 1957 where it won the inaugural Sutherland Trophy the following year, and received praise from United States film critics after a 1972 screening in New York.

A 1950’s Japanese masterpiece  - image2

© 1953 Shochiku Co. Ltd.

Tokyo Story is widely regarded as Ozu's masterpiece and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.

Tokyo Story will screen at Massey University’s Auckland campus at Albany on Wednesday September 11. Preceding the main feature is a short documentary on life and culture in Japan, which starts at 6.15pm. Unless specified, the films are screened in the Sir Neil Waters lecture theatre in room SNW100. There is free parking available on campus.

Please note: This is the final Japanese film screening in 2019.

Tokyo Story is rated PG

Director: Yasujiro Ozu

Running time: 136 minutes

For more information on the Japanese films visit the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland website here.