Directing Transcendence Anonymous College

Tokyo Story, directed by Yasujiro Ozu, is a deeply meditative film. The plot is deceptively simple: an old couple visits their adult children in Tokyo. However, their children does not treat them well. On their return, the wife falls ill and passes away. At the funeral, the family gathers. Each member is shown grieving, especially the children. Using repetition, camera height, and editing, Ozu induces the audience into a state of transcendence. With heightened perception, Ozu invites the viewer to observe the subtle complexities of human nature and life, transcending above judgement and emotions.

Ozu incorporates many visual and aural motifs throughout the film. These motifs are repeated consistently, with rhythm, and without embellishment. Furthermore, the motifs often contain an act of repetition within itself. For example, the rhythmic humming of a motorboat can be heard in establishing shots. The setting of the film is in the summer; characters are frequently, and gently, swaying their fans back and forth. As Fumiko dials the telephone, the sound of her dialling is rhythmic; so too, is the ringing at the receiving end. As Shukichi realizes the imminent death of his wife, he repeats twice: “I see… She’s not going to live.”...