Tokyo-Ga is made out of love for Ozu and raises the Question - is there anything left of Ozu's world? - Simple answer is no, not really, but little reminders like the little boy at the train station who refuses to stand, reminding Wenders (and most fans I'd imagine) of many of the young characters in Ozu's films,
really do make this film what it is. It's a love letter written out of the greatest respect and gratitude. OK, it does get a little self indulgent at times, that seems to be quite typical of Wender's documentary projects but it's very moving towards the end, particularly during the emotional interview with Ozu's regular camera man. That scene alone makes it worth a watch, although you should probably see a least a couple of Ozu's classics first.
November 16, 2011
