Un Certain Regard: “Tokyo Sonata” by Kurosawa Kiyoshi

A Cannes Festival habitué, Kiyoshi Kurosawa is returning to the Croisette for the third time. In 2001, Kairo (Pulse) was selected for Un Certain Regard. Next, in 2003, the Official Selection welcomed Akarui Mirai (Bright Future). This year, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s ticket to the red carpet is Tokyo Sonata, an insider’s view of an ordinary Japanese family grappling with crisis.

The father has lost his job, but refuses to tell his family. The elder son is becoming increasingly withdrawn, while the younger one is secretly taking piano lessons. Helpless, the mother can only observe the slow deterioration of the family unit.

“With this film,” Kiyoshi Kurosawa explains, “I attempted to portray a small tragedy, one that could befall any Tokyo family today. It is intentionally understated. Regardless of what they may think, these characters are not cut off from the rest of the world. Whether they are aware of it or not, they are constantly subject to overwhelming social forces, which batter them ruthlessly. The family in my film is directly connected to Japan, which itself is directly connected to the rest of the world. Is it better to make a desperate attempt to protect domestic strengths, or free all our energy to the outside? A huge number of Japanese people face these choices daily, and that is why the 21st century is one of confusion.”

At the screening of his film, director Kiyoshi Kurosawa shared his emotion with the audience: “I would like to thank you for coming; I even more moved to be here than expected as I almost didn’t come. My wife took sick just before the Festival was to begin and I had intended to cancel my trip. But my wife, who is in the hospital, insisted that I come. I’m happy to be here with you tonight.”