Tokyo Family 2013

Tokyo Family 2013 is a remake of an old black and white classic Tokyo Story (which I didn't think was that good) by cinema master Yamada Yoji (Twilight Samurai). The story is about an elderly couple who came down from Onomichi in Hiroshima some island to Tokyo to visit their three children and grandchildren. (Got confused with Tokyo Story)

If you've seen Yamada Yoji movies, they've all got that old school static camera shots. I don't think I've ever seen a dolly being used in his movies ever. His movies are less cinematic in the modern sense but more like watching a play. However, Yamada Yoji knows how to create and capture those magical moments where less is more and every word and expression speaks a thousand words.

One of the central themes explored in Tokyo Family is the country vs city lifestyle. Its something that was also explored in two of my favourite movies I saw last year; A Living Promise and Dear Doctor. The contrast between old Japan and new Japan. You can view the movie not just through the lens of parents and children but also of how the old generation view the current generation and their hops and dreams for them.

Two standout performances in Tokyo Family 2013 are Hashizume Isao as the grandfather and Aoi Yu. If those two did not get nominated for acting awards in 2013, there is no justice in this world. On the other hand, I remember looking at some jdorama and jmovie acting award lists recently and there are a lot of bullshit awards. Suffice to say a lot of mainstream stuff.

Can't really say much besides its a standard family movie but the performances are so good. Can't and should not be missed. Absolutely must watch!