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Comedy

I Was Born, But...

Umarete wa Mita Keredo

Year
1932
Director
Yasujiro Ozu
Length
90 minCriterion 90-minute presentation Version sources ↓

Two brothers learn that their father’s place in the adult world does not match the hero they imagined.

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Country
Japan
Language
Japanese
FunnyGentleBleak Great first watch · Easy Comedy
I Was Born, But...: Momo peeks through a green paper fence as two schoolboys walk through a layered neighbourhood.

Image: Monocurator · source · Original Monocurator artwork

What to expect

Yasujiro Ozu turns childhood rebellion into a precise comedy about hierarchy at home, at school, and at work. Repeated gestures and low viewpoints make social rank visible without losing affection for the family.

How to ease in

The early schoolyard comedy sets up the adult-world discovery. Watch how similar gestures pass between boys and office workers, making the two hierarchies mirror each other.

Heads-up

A quick, non-exhaustive note Includes bullying, fighting between children, family conflict, and period class attitudes.
Momo's Note May contain spoilers Who is Momo? →
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It was funny and painful to watch the boys discover that their father can look foolish too. Understanding an adult compromise does not make it easier to accept. What I found gentle was that disappointment changed their love without erasing it.

— Momo

Momo thinking about this film

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