Review of I Was Born, But... (1932) by Daniel K — 27 Apr 2009

It took me a while to realize what was so strange about Ozu's silent work, but I finally did: his silent pictures are identical to his talkie's apart from the lack of sound. This is incredibly unusual.

There is essentially no change in style, tone, story, performances, etc. It looks and feels no different from his later work. The title tells the whole story here. It is once again a touching and perceptive work about the struggles of existence in modern day Japan and the differences between the classes.

This time it is told mainly from children's perspective. It is easy to become furious with the boys and think they are nothing but spoiled brats. However, Ozu is simply injecting all the potential fury of those less fortunate in the world into their young characters.

It does not approach hisbest work, but it is highly effective.