I Was Born, But...
I Was Born, But...

Movie spotlight

I Was Born, But...

1932
Movie
91 min
Japanese

Brothers Keiji and Ryoichi move to a new neighborhood in the Tokyo suburbs after their father, an office clerk, is promoted. The boys join the local gang as lowly new kids and emerge as natural leaders after defeating a bully. While visiting the home of their father's boss, the brothers witness the ridicule their father endures to please his superior. Angry and embarrassed, the boys find their naive ideas about power being challenged.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Metacritic96/100
Google Users95%
Director: Yasujirō OzuGenres: Comedy-Drama

Plot Summary

A young boy named Keiji and his father move to Tokyo, where the father takes a job as a factory foreman. Keiji befriends other boys in the neighborhood and struggles with the harsh realities of adult life, leading him to lead a protest against his father's company. The film explores themes of childhood innocence, societal pressures, and the complexities of family relationships.

Critical Reception

Yasujirō Ozu's "I Was Born, But..." is widely regarded as a landmark in Japanese cinema, celebrated for its insightful portrayal of childhood and its gentle humor. Critics lauded Ozu's distinct visual style and his ability to capture relatable human emotions. The film resonated with audiences for its poignant observations on family dynamics and the transition from childhood to adolescence, earning its place as a classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming and insightful depiction of childhood.

  • Ozu's directorial skill in balancing humor and pathos is consistently highlighted.

  • Lauded for its timeless themes of family and societal expectations.

Google audience: Google users consistently praise 'I Was Born, But...' for its heartwarming story and Ozu's masterful direction. Many highlight the film's ability to capture the essence of childhood innocence and the profound impact of family relationships, making it a deeply moving and enjoyable experience.

Fun Fact

Although the film was a critical and commercial success in Japan, it was not widely known internationally until its rediscovery and re-release decades later.

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