For the last decade of global film culture this film has often been placed at the top of the tallest tree: ‘The Greatest Ever’. Tokyo Story’s deepest wells of emotion spring forth in mysteriously artful ways; they surprise, with a wondrous sympathetic sadness. Simplicity is all: An elderly couple travels from southern Japan to Tokyo to see their adult children, who barely have time for them. And on the way home there is a change… Ozu’s unwavering style is transcendent; this extraordinary film merits every word of fascination.

Screening as part of Japan 2021: Over 100 years of Japanese Cinema is a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network.