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6.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. A Straightforward Boy remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so if you're looking for big explosions or deep, philosophical musings, skip this one. But if you have even a passing curiosity about early Japanese cinema, or just want to see a silent film that's genuinely *funny* and doesn't demand too much, then yeah, give A Straightforward Boy a shot. It's a short, sweet ride.
People who love the rapid-fire pacing and constant dialogue of modern movies will probably bounce off this hard. But for those who appreciate the craft of visual storytelling and a good old-fashioned simple premise, it's quite a gem. ✨
The plot is exactly what it says on the tin: a young boy gets kidnapped. But here's the twist – the boy, played by Tomio Aoki, is completely unfazed. He's less a victim and more a tiny, insistent force of nature that just sort of... *happens* to his abductor.
You almost feel bad for the poor kidnapper, played by Takeshi Sakamoto. He tries to be menacing, he really does, but the kid just isn't having it. There's this great bit where the boy, mid-abduction, just wants to play with a toy. His priorities are clear. 🧸
The abductor's face, oh man. You can practically see his brain cells short-circuiting as he tries to deal with this incredibly calm, incredibly demanding child. It’s less a hostage situation and more a terrible babysitting gig he didn't sign up for.
There's a scene where the boy wants food, and he just *insists* on it. Not a tantrum, just a firm, unwavering demand that his captor clearly wasn't prepared for. He’s got this intense stare, like 'You kidnapped me, so you're responsible for snacks now.' It’s brilliant.
For a silent film from 1929, the pacing is actually pretty snappy. It doesn't drag. The director, Yasujirō Ozu, even this early, knows how to tell a story efficiently without a single spoken word. Every gesture, every wide-eyed look from Aoki, tells you everything.
The film doesn't try to be anything profound. It’s just a really well-executed comedic premise. The stakes are low, the laughs are gentle, but they’re definitely there.
You can tell they shot a lot of this outside, which gives it a nice, open feel. The dusty roads, the simple sets – it grounds the absurdity of the situation. It feels real, even with the exaggerated silent film acting. 🏞️
The ending is not some big, dramatic chase. It's much more subtle, much more in keeping with the 'straightforward' nature of the boy. It feels earned, even inevitable, given the tiny terror our kidnapper has on his hands.
Don't go into this expecting a masterpiece that will change your life. Just expect a charming, well-made little film that proves a strong personality, even a tiny one, can flip any situation on its head.
IMDb 6.8
1923
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