I was born but (1932) Ozu

 This is widely regarded as a masterpiece by Ozu. The stars are two boys who move to a new home and school. Their interactions with other kids in the neighbourhood form the backdrop of the film. One of the new friends is the son of their father's boss. The father is played by the actor who played the doctor in the film What did the lady forget. He plays a character who has a suave dignity when he is with his family, but turns into a bit of a toady of his boss when at work. The boys witness a film shot by the boss in which their father plays the fool to much acclaim from his colleagues who laud his comic talent, but the boys see him without his usual dignity and their pride is hurt when they understand that their father is not as important as they thought.

The father expresses his regret to his wife about their circumstances. The wife appears to understand but does not say so. The film ends with an acceptance by the boys of their circumstances but an acknowledgement that their future may hold promise of their own success.

There is a lot of humour in the film generated by the antics of the children. The two boys are close in age, but one is obviously older and the younger is always imitating the older. This choreography is something fascinating to watch.

When you play the movie in your head, you realize that Ozu's films have something of a precision to them. He makes every scene and every line count.

All of Ozu's films end in acceptance of life. His mastery is in the mastery of the narrative that flows and ends naturally.