"I Was Born But..."
1932
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu

This comedy with melancholy resonance would later be reworked by Ozu into one of his acknowledged masterpieces, Ohayo, in 1959. Two young boys are outraged when they see their father playing the clown at work and kowtowing to his boss, but they slowly learn the hard facts about how the adult world operates. Perfectly realized in its visual style and in its humanity, I Was Born But… is one of the great films from the director's silent period. He would not make a "talkie" until 1935. "…both the gags and the emotional disappointments are anchored in a sure sense of characterization that remains wholly fresh…" (Tony Rayns, Time Out Film Guide). "One of the wisest and most charming films ever made" (Georgia Brown, Village Voice). B&W, Silent.  89 minutes.