The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice

This is a review of the 2020 Region B2 Dual Format edition from BFI. It comes with 2 interesting old British public information films, and a meaty booklet about the director, Yasujirō Ozu. The film has been re-mastered in 4k and appears in the original 1.33:1 and HD 1080p, in beautifully clear, clean, soft B&W. The sound is good, rather than brilliant. The English subtitles for this Japanese language film are excellent.I will begin by nailing my colours to the mast: we love films by Ozu. Having watched 7 of his other works produced over 25 years, we would describe ourselves as BIG fans. But this film, arguably one of his lesser-known post-War works, and one of his less well-regarded, is quite possibly, my favourite yet. It is a gem.Ozu originally wrote the screenplay in 1939, with a story following the same trajectory, but the husband about to go on active service overseas. However, the Japanese military demanded script changes to convey certain nationalist messages: Ozu shelved production. This 1952 film, with an amendment only to substitute a business trip, matches his original concept.Essentially, it stands with the majority of Ozu’s post-War work, as a domestic drama, a study of Japanese Middle Class mores, preoccupations and changing views of tradition. Ozu is the master of the gentle but searching study of family values, family relationships, the role of women, the impact of new ideas, the willingness of young people to abide by the dictates of their elders. In film after film, he takes themes of marriage, tradition and change, and reworks them in fascinating, absorbing fashion, without ever losing our interest. However, there are some unusual aspects about this film, some changes to Ozu’s impeccable modus operandi, which add to its fascination.Firstly, we are treated to plenty of Ozu’s trademark interiors, shot as ever, from very low static camera positions. His home interiors particularly, facilitate his usual intimate, closely observed, conversations. But unusually, there are plenty of other settings, including some wonderful train journeys, a car drive, sports stadia and even a games (Pachinko) arcade. Secondly, we are used to differences of opinion, disagreement even, in Ozu films. But the degree of divergence here is unusual, and adds an absorbing dynamic. And Ozu’s women are usually delicate and very civilised: an out-and-out shrew is a novelty. His carefully-drawn characterisation of the unravelling arranged marriage between the arrogant city sophisticate and her ‘dull’ small-town husband, actually uncomplicated, kind, trustworthy and rather endearing, is riveting.The other special thing about ‘Green Tea’ is that whilst most Ozu has amusing scenes and jokes, there is much here that is laugh-out-loud funny. Secrets and deceptions abound, and Ozu tickles us with them deliciously. And his strong ensemble cast, as usual, give their all, with perfectly timed actions and responses. This is a delightful, funny and moving film, that left us warmed and happy in its afterglow.

So many decades after it was made, this film continues to enchant. Ozu is one of the true greats of the golden age of the Japanese film. With a very simple story he always conjured up films that grabbed you. And this is no exception. In this day and age where special effects are all important, it is so refreshing to step into this cinematographic oasis.

I should have been informed that there were no subtitles before I paid to download it.Nor surprisingly, I couldn't understand a word.What a waste of money.

Another absolute humdinger from Ozu. Lies, deceit, with the almost usual balance between the traditional arranged marriage v railing against that notion. The bonuses are straight out of a Harry Enfield/Paul Whitehouse sketch, very odd curios indeed.Highly recommended