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Slow, deliberate pace and heavy realism is what makes Yasujiro Ozu's film, Tokyo Story, a timeless classic. Mind you, this film is not filled with well-known Oscar-nominated/winners all in one place nor does it have characters that look more plastic, wax-models and less humans. They look human just like you or I. They look realistic, they talk realistic, their expressions are realistic and the whole damn film is realistic. See, Tokyo Story has two of the best things I like. From a well-known actor/actress, you know what to expect but from someone who you absolutely have no idea about... they tend to surprise you in several ways. I think this is how a performance should be in a realistic film like this: the emotions, facial expressions and whatnot were accurate and 10/10 spot-on. It was clear they were really into it, not doing it for the sake of giving a first-class performance. Speaking of which, I really enjoyed Chishu Ryu as Shukishi Hirayama and Setsuko Hara as Noriko Hirayama and everyone else gave decent performances too but I really liked the above two.
Also, it has the Tatami-mat shot, the director's trademark. The camera is stationed in one place and, for a lengthy period of time, never moves. I really liked it as I had never seen it in other movies (I may have, but I don't really remember)
Download / snatch / steal this film and be blown by the absolute realism behind it. It may make you think your own position and it may make you cry. If you're tired of seeing characters which resemble wax-models, then this is film to watch and treasure!
9.6/10
