Ohayo

Against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing Japan in the 1950s, grandmaster Ozu, in his inimitable style, once again exposes the fragility of human relationships, both within the family and in a small community.

When a couple refuses to buy a television set, their two sons decide to abandon their plea and do exactly what their parents ask: remain silent. Their refusal to speak any longer pokes fun, in a light-hearted way, at the transience of everyday conversations and how much we all need them.

Thanks to Ozu’s subtle humor and deep insight into human nature, this classic still stands the test of time after more than 50 years.

All images: © 1959 “Ohayo”