Review of I Was Born, But... (1932) by Ken T — 18 Jan 2011

In 1932 the great filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu was still making silent films and would not film a sound picture until 4 years later. I Was Born But... remains a quintessential work from this master craftsman who should be looked at as an example for every filmmaker for making great films that did not fall into overt melodrama.

The film is about two young brothers who have moved to the suburbs with their mother and father. Their father has just taken a job here, improving the family's quality of life. The boys find themselves dealing with bullies, school and the usual assortment of difficulties when being the new kids in town.

However, eventually they do find friends. The childhood innocence is so clearly shown - the children do not categorize other people by money, as is done in their parents generation. This bothers the brothers when they see their father kissing up to the boss and acting like a clown - they do not understand this "adult" world.

Wonderful observations, brilliantly depicted by Ozu certainly leaves the viewer grinning throughout much of the film. I Was Born But... is an early masterpiece that would cement the visual stylings of Ozu - the low-angle stationary camera with minimal or no movement, full face shots, wonderfully choreographed sequences and no dissolves between scenes.

An essential piece of cinema, still completely relevant today.