Tokyo Story

Yasujirō Ozu's 1953 film follows an elderly couple who travel to Tokyo to see their children. Nobody has time for them. The one who actually cares for them is their daughter-in-law. The film keeps its camera low and still; the narrative shows the distance between generations without raising its voice. Setsuko Hara is in the cast. It is regarded as the director's best-known film. It runs over two hours at a deliberately slow pace. Who it's for: those who like classic Japanese cinema and quiet drama. Who it's not for: viewers waiting for events; the film is made almost entirely of everyday conversation.