Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on September 10, 2007 at 14:55:12

perfection.
The acting, photography, vision of the director, and tone--- all faultless.
The world Ozu creates, unlike say that of a Bergman, is one that elevates the human spirit, that makes one wish to be better. This film is as much an ode to aging as "Wild Strawberries," but, unlike the Swedish offering, this one needs no character "set-ups," no special effects, flashbacks.
Ozu's artistry, like, say, Raphael's, is deceptively simple and straightforward. Therein lies one of its strengths: nothing could be removed without altering the whole.
I don't mean to say "Strawberries" isn't a good film but merely that Ozu's vision is more mature, similar to differences between the inner and exterior views of "grace" which define the differences between Eastern and Western mysticism.
Anyhow, it certainly is one of the finest films ever made.