Japanese Film: Tokyo Story (Ozu 1953)

Next up, Tokyo Story by Yasujiro Ozu. Ozu is one of the three directors discussed in Paul Schrader's "The Transcendental Style in Cinema" book that we talked about (but haven't read!). So, watching Tokyo Story, we can try to guess what Schrader means by "Transcendental Style"--but you're not allowed to look it up! That ruins it. (It's something to do with the use of quiet space, to make the shocking moments that much more emotional, but I'm not even sure that's right.)

Remember, watch the movie first, come ready to talk about it!

We will meet on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 8PM, at LEANING TOWER OF PIZZA at 24th Street and Lyndale, same as always. See you there!