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Werner Herzog, Chishu Ryu, Yuharu Atsuta, Yuuharu Atsuta

In this intriguing documentary, award-winning German director and producer Wim Wenders combines clips from one of his favorite directors, Ozu Yasujiro (see the tribute to Ozu, Ikite wa Mita Keredo.. b... read more read more...y Inoue Kazuo), with actual scenes from the sprawling, crowded megalopolis of Tokyo to discover where the real world and cinematic license may intersect, if at all. Ozu's films captured the poignant and fleeting aspects of worldly existence -- as in colorful autumn leaves that cannot last long. Wenders almost emulates his technique when he decides, in this 92-minute look at Tokyo -- to spend time on fragments of city life that are telling, eloquent statements of a Japanese ethic. Golfers on city rooftops, the neon lights of the famous Ginza shopping area, baseball games in a cemetery, the omnipresent televisions (even in taxis), and the waxed-over food that stands for months and years in restaurant windows to advertise the menu are all surreal and eloquent scenes. Juxtaposed against the noise and bustling crowds in a city in which people live elbow-to-elbow -- and contrasted with viewpoints on Ozu offered by two former associates -- these scenes and their counterpoints present a well-rounded view of Tokyo, Ozu, and what it means to be Wim Wenders filming in Japan. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

79% liked it

681 ratings

Critics

60% liked it

5 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Wim Wenders

Release Date: January 1, 2003

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DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Stats: 64 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (64)

  • SirPant
    November 16, 2011
    SirPant
    Tokyo-Ga is made out of love for Ozu and raises the Question - is there anything left of Ozu's world? - Simple answer is no, not really, but little reminders like the little boy at the train station who refuses to stand, reminding Wenders (and most fans I'd imagine) of many of th... read moree young characters in Ozu's films, really do make this film what it is. It's a love letter written out of the greatest respect and gratitude. OK, it does get a little self indulgent at times, that seems to be quite typical of Wender's documentary projects but it's very moving towards the end, particularly during the emotional interview with Ozu's regular camera man. That scene alone makes it worth a watch, although you should probably see a least a couple of Ozu's classics first.
  • fb1664868775
    October 30, 2011
    fb1664868775
    One of the most enjoyable documentaries I've seen, this meditation on Japan and director Yasujiro Ozu, is chock full of amazing images 80's Japan.
  • justindavis1
    February 23, 2011
    justindavis1
    I like this movie. Classic old feel to it and is part of a Criterion 2 movie set too now I believe along w/ a Yasujiro Ozu movie. There are parts are wishes were a little different (maybe a little more fleshed out). The movie doesn't seem to know if it wants to be about Tokyo ... read morein general or just Yasujiro Ozu or plastic food displays for restaurants or trains but blends all of them and is mostly what Win Wenders imagines from watching Ozu movies and now he is making a pilgrimage. Werner Herzog even has a cameo. Nice movie.
  • spencerstilwell
    September 4, 2008
    spencerstilwell
    Suprisingly deep, and the long shots are meant for the viewer to try to understand Wenders' message.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz
March 26, 2011
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Wonderfully absurd hero-worshiping homage to Yasujiro Ozu. Full Review

David Nusair
December 21, 2006
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...nonsensical... Full Review

Peter Canavese
May 18, 2006
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

Wenders bops around Tokyo with the assurance of a skilled filmmaker, and emerges with an understated but certainly curious sociological postcard of '80s Tokyo.

January 10, 2004
Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Cole Smithey
August 2, 2008
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
June 15, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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