About this experience
Sumo, gossip, and the art of letting air out. Good Morning is among Ozu’s funniest films and shows just what a humorist he could be. Not unlike his silent I Was Born, But… yet much lighter in tone, this is a story about two young brothers who have decided that most adults are ridiculous. Their criticism hits closest to home with their own father, who refuses to buy “Western” imports like a television set — which would allow them to watch sumo wrestling. The boys are also fed up with the utterly pointless rituals adults spend so much time on, like saying “good morning” at every opportunity. Combining these frustrations, they stage a silent strike: they refuse to greet anyone until their parents give in and buy them a TV. At the same time, the brothers are obsessed with farting — particularly the youngest, who, unlike everyone else, cannot do it on command and only soils his pants when he tries too hard. Set in a small, tightly knit neighborhood, Ozu also uses the story to explore how the adult social network works, with its careful monitoring and efficient rumor mill. A missing sum of money and a newly purchased washing machine quickly spark gossip and backbiting. The effective mix of silly, lowbrow humor and sharp social observation is part of what gives Good Morning its irresistible charm. Ozu also makes use of his unmistakable cross-cutting of lines, themes, and logic. Consider this scene: the boys’ father does home exercises, and every time he bends over, he farts. The two sons watch in awe and whisper to each other, concluding, “Of course — Dad works at the gas company.” Ozu was often described as a strict director, guiding his actors down to the smallest detail of movement and behavior. Yet he also had the gift of directing children in a way that makes them burst with life on screen. Good Morning remains one of Ozu’s most accessible and entertaining films — a film he had long wanted to make, and a playful jab at those who dismissed him as only a “serious” filmmaker. Watch it — you won’t regret it! Good to know: * Language: Japanese * Subtitles: English