Tokyo Twilight

About Tokyo Twilight

"Tokyo Twilight" is a 1957 black and white Japanese film directed by one of the most revered film directors, Yasujirō Ozu. The film narrates the story of two sisters grappling with guilt, frustration, and alienation in post-WWII Tokyo. The plot circles around elder sister Takako who visits her divorced parents with her daughter followed by 'Akiko' the younger sister who gets tangled in a relationship resulting in an unwanted pregnancy, which eventually leads to a tragic climax.

Making / Production

Yasujirō Ozu, well known for his minimalist style, used the post-war landscape of Tokyo to cast a melancholic shadow over the film. Tokyo Twilight is often considered one of his darker and bleaker films, reflecting the socio-cultural changes of the time.

Actors

• Ineko Arima as Akiko Sugiyama: She brilliantly portrayed the rebellious younger sister grappling with her romance and its aftermath.
• Setsuko Hara as Takako Numata: Playing the elder sister, Hara's performance stands out as she showcased the inner strength despite her struggle with her own failing marriage and estranged parents.
• Chishū Ryū as Mr. Sugiyama: Chishu Ryu played the girls' father, interpreting the character as a quiet, resigned figure haunted by his past.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Tokyo Twilight is considered one of Ozu's least known films outside Japan.
• The long, static takes and absence of camera movement characterize this iconic Ozu film.
• Despite the film's tragic story, it still reflects Ozu's typical style of domestic storytelling.

Awards

Despite its significance, Tokyo Twilight did not receive any notable awards.

Quotes

• "We're all to blame. It’s the times we live in."
• "The constant happiness is curiosity."
• "In this world, there’s nothing as cruel as a man."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Tokyo Twilight" does not have a famous soundtrack. It is instead known for its stark and uncomplicated soundscape, which matches Ozu's cinematic style.