• Not sure of the influence level (no idea if Ozu could have or did see these) but has something in common with for sure with Buster Keaton’s work in the 20’s and the Little Rascals or “Our Gang” shorts—use of deadpan by the child actors (amazing work- keaton) and certainly the youngsters running around and getting into trouble from the shorts
  • To cinephiles trademark matching sweaters and hats from the two boys helps that comedy
  • Playful and light—especially for first hour of 90 minute running time
  • Parallels the lives of adults and kids just like 1931’s Tokyo Chorus– first archiveable film. Ozu is great at giving you equal perspectives. The low sitting camera height, which he’d become known for, is apparently here capturing kids in the full frame and just waists of adults—long before Spielberg in E.T.
  • Maybe 10 tracking shots showing kids in a row at school and another one of adults in a row at work
  • Lots of great comic gags and kids with their deadpan and often the two move in unison
  • 60 minutes in the film takes a turn as they become disillusioned by a video of their father playing up the role of comedian in front of his boss- being a prankster. It’s a great blend of broad comedy and the realism and family drama
  • Touching line from father as the boys sleep “don’t become miserable apple polishers like me boys”- cuts through you
  • Often called the Japanese 400 blows (17 years before of course)
  • R/HR border