Review of Tokyo Sonata (2008) by Sterling T — 31 Aug 2009

5 unemployed salarymen out of 10.

Oh Japan, do we have to go as far back as Ozu to find a movie that isn't batshit crazy?

Tokyo Sonata begins as a family drama which had me mesmerized. In the 1st + 2nd acts the family slowly unravels as; the father loses his job but pretends he still has it by leaving + returning home at the same time, the oldest son unable to break into the job market decides to join the American army, the younger son takes piano lessons against his father's wishes and the mother comes to realize how boring her life is.

Then in the 3rd act everything comes completely unhinged + the film leaps into crazy Japan territory. I was really enjoying the build up of subtle layers in the story, I wish they didn't have to go so over the top in the last act. Staying closer to reality would have made the film more emotionally resonant. Don't get me wrong I loves me some crazy Japan, however this movie should have stayed closer to its initial tone. The film is all about the erosion of the Japanese family, but it doesn't conclude with any solutions or much hope for the future.

Some other films similar in theme are, Noriko's Dinner Table, Visitor Q + American Beauty; of all the films mentioned Tokyo Sonata is probably the worst of them.