Subtle homage to family life

MORE than half a century ago, the late Yasujiro Ozu made Tokyo Story, a movie that went on to become a landmark film not only in Japan but also overseas.

The black-and-white family drama appears regularly on critics' must-see lists and 60 years on, Yoji Yamada - who was the assistant director of the film and has since gone on to become a respected movie-maker in his own right - has remade it as Tokyo Family.

It's intended as both a homage to Ozu who was Yamada's mentor as well as a celebration of the 82-year-old's 50th anniversary as a director. The story has also been updated to reflect modern times and even references the Tohuku earthquake and tsunami.