(aka 'The Only Son' or 'Hitori musuko')
Japan 1936
Ozu's first talkie has, for me a few other identity markers; I found it possibly the most melodramatic of all his films that I have seen and it contains the least dialogue (for a sound film). Certainly it is easily identifiable with Ozu's signature style of gentle dramatic moments, introspective static shots of surrounding geography and a simplistic narrative. The social interaction is between a mother and son and the subtle pressure exerted to achieve a life of relative success. The widowed mother unselfishly gives her all (factory work income, sells her house and land etc.) so that her son can be educated and find gainful employment. Once established in a meager night school teaching position in Tokyo the mother visits to find her son married with a young baby, her grandson. His family obligations and the poor economy where he resides have lead to disappointment in any ambitious endeavors. In the climatic spark of the film we are briefly lead to the conclusion that his perceived appearance as 'a great man' is not his monetary standing but his unselfish and noble behavior. In an almost bittersweet climax we are left with a hopeful future but seemingly dejected mother. This is a beautiful story that touches upon many of Ozu's quintessential themes. I would easily put this in my top 5 favorites of his films.
Theatrical Release: September 12th, 1936 - Tokyo
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DVD Review: Panorama - Region 3 - NTSC
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| Distribution | Panorama Entertainment - Region 3 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 1:22:21 | |
| Video | 1.33:1
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.78 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Audio | Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
| Subtitles | English, Chinese, None | |
| Features |
Release Information: Edition Details: • Directors
Biography (text screens)
• Collectable handbill with production notes (in
English and Chinese) |
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| Comments: |
NOTE (Thanks Brian!): In November 2003 Donald Richie said in a Japan Times interview that the next Ozu film Criterion would be releasing (after Early Summer) was THE ONLY SON. So perhaps we'll see a definitive version in '06. **** Like "There Was a Father " produced a few years later this print is severely damaged. Noticeable moments of extensive damage occur in both the beginning and near the end (last reel?). As my expectations were very limited in seeing Ozu's first talkie (Japanese were very late in adapting this cinematic feature) I was not deterred in my viewing. Subtitles, although not perfect, were far superior than I have seen in many Panaorama Ozu's in the area of grammar, spelling and absentee dialogue. Perhaps because this film has very limited dialogue. This film translated very well in terms of expression and I truly cherish owning it. It has so much damage that I doubt a Criterion or the like will ever touch it unless there is a superior print around. We recommend this DVD based on the film, but simply be prepared that you will see an imperfect print. A very thoughtful, melodramatic and touching expose. |
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| Distribution | Panorama Entertainment - Region 3 - NTSC | |
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