Watch Record of a Tenement Gentlemen

Record of a Tenement Gentleman is a classic Japanese film, directed by Yasujirō Ozu and released in 1947. It tells the story of a young boy named Toshio and his life in a working-class tenement in Tokyo. The movie is a slice-of-life drama that depicts the struggles of the ordinary people living in the tenement. The film starts with Toshio (played by newcomer Hohi Aoki) moving into the tenement with his mother and grandmother. His father has died in the war, and they are struggling to make ends meet.

Toshio is a curious and mischievous boy, always running around the tenement and getting into trouble. He is fascinated by the people he sees around him, and he starts to develop relationships with some of the other residents. Over the course of the film, we see Toshio growing up and learning about the world around him.

The film's main focus is on the residents of the tenement and their day-to-day struggles. There is Mr. Kitagawa, a struggling artist who lives alone in a small apartment. He spends his days painting and dreaming of success, but he is constantly interrupted by the noise and chaos of the tenement. Mr. Kitagawa and Toshio strike up an unlikely friendship, and Toshio is fascinated by the artist's paintings and stories.

Another tenant is Mr. Tokunaga, a widower who runs a small candy shop. He is lonely and isolated, but he finds comfort in the company of Toshio and his mother. Toshio and Mr. Tokunaga form a bond over candy, and Toshio often helps out at the shop.

The film also explores the relationships between the tenants and their families. There is a sense of community in the tenement, with neighbors often helping each other out. We see this when Toshio's mother gets sick, and the other tenants pitch in to take care of her and Toshio.

Record of a Tenement Gentleman is a quiet and contemplative movie, with little dramatic action. Instead, it focuses on the small moments of everyday life and the relationships between the characters. The film is shot in a simple and straightforward style, with very little camera movement or flashy editing.

The film's central theme is the importance of human connection and community. The characters may be struggling to make ends meet, but they find comfort and joy in their relationships with each other. The film portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Despite its quiet and unassuming style, Record of a Tenement Gentleman is a powerful and affecting movie. The characters are wonderfully realized, and the film showcases Ozu's mastery of his craft. The film is a poignant reminder of the beauty and strength of human connection.

Overall, Record of a Tenement Gentleman is a classic of Japanese cinema, and a must-see for anyone interested in the genre. It is a beautifully crafted film that is sure to move and inspire viewers.