DbcultAccessing Vault...
7.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. I Was Born, But... remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly? If you have the patience for a black-and-white silent film from 1932, yes. It's for the folks who like their drama small, messy, and painfully relatable. If you need explosions or a fast-moving plot, you’re probably gonna hate it and spend the whole runtime checking your phone.
The whole thing starts with these two brothers acting like total terrors in their new neighborhood. They’re classic kids—running around, being bratty, just generally causing a scene. It feels so lived-in that you forget you’re reading title cards.
The turning point isn't some grand tragedy. It's just a scene where they see their dad acting like a goofball in front of his boss. You watch their faces fall, and it’s just… ouch. It’s that moment when you realize your parents aren't the kings of the world, just people trying to pay the bills.
I found myself thinking about The Duchess of Doubt while watching, just because of how differently they handle social hierarchy. In Ozu’s world, the hierarchy is just a thing you have to deal with, like the weather.
There’s a shot of the father sitting on the floor, looking tired, that stays on screen for a few seconds longer than you expect. It’s not flashy, but it’s everything. It’s just a man being a dad, and it hits way harder than any dramatic monologue ever could.
The boys’ little protest is surprisingly intense. They decide to go on a hunger strike, which sounds dramatic, but they’re still kids, so they keep sneaking bits of food. It’s a perfect touch. Too human.
It’s not trying to be a profound meditation on anything. It’s just a snapshot of a family. Sometimes, that’s all you need. Don't go looking for big answers here. Just watch the kids.