Tokyo Twilight

This turbulent and grim family melodrama, from 1957, is steered away from the maudlin and given emotional depth and philosophical heft under the direction of Yasujiro Ozu.

This rarely screened, melancholy 1957 film, Ozu's last in black and white, is one of his best.

Strangely, even though this is Ozu's darkest, most pessimistic film, it still has the same easy quality; we never feel bludgeoned or wrung out.

Appropriately the last black and white Ozu film, Tokyo Twilight maintains his signature style despite its tragic melancholy...Beautifully photographed and framed, the story flows naturally and gently and retains hope.

It plays like a Greek tragedy.

Watch it and be reminded that open lines of communication between generations are vital if an extended family is to remain intact.

As powerfully understated as anything by the Japanase master, and unquestionably his darkest film.