Tokyo Family

Incredibly well acted, all the details, the facial twitches, the posture, the hand holding... Isao Hashizume and Kazuko Yoshihuki as the older couple were unbeatable. They were very ably backed up by the others, and if I had to single anyone out, it would be Satoshi Tsumabuki for his excellent handling of the "emotional outburst" on the hospital roof. It's an intimate film, just depicting the visit of grandparents from the countryside to the capital. Except that their socially successful children don't have the time or the inclination, and it's almost painful how they handle it all with a smile. The film critiques contemporary Japanese society and turns back to old values, when family and old age still meant something (especially in the form of Aoi Yū's character – although here the story slips slightly into naivety). An incredibly powerful film that won't suit everyone, and not everyone is willing to listen to the muttering of pensioners. A better 4 stars. (17.01.2015)