As usual with Ozu films this was a simple, yet intense film about Japanese family strive. It wasn't one of Ozu better films. I've seen Tokyo Story many times and that is definitely a better film. As is Floating Weeds. Green Tea Over Rice just doesn't have the creative shots and intense story that Ozu's other films have. Yet the story is still compelling enough to watch. The conflict is between a man and his wife who were arranged to be married. It seems like they have never been in love. By the end of the film they realize that they love and need each other.
The young girl who refuses the arranged marriage is the deepest character. She really represents modernity which seems to always be creeping on traditional values in Ozu's films. I liked her because she stood up against her mother and aunt. Even at the very end of the film she is standing up to a man who doesn't treat her right. I thought it was somewhat comical how she keeps slapping his hand away as they walk down the street.
Another thing I noticed about Ozu films and other films I watch is that Ozu doesn't use montage. He uses mise en scene, but no montage. And his mise en scene is brilliant as many critics have said. The shots of hallways and rooms is always so unique every time I watch an Ozu film. His style is very much his own and has never been duplicated.
This is one of Ozu's lesser known films, but it's a good film.
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