I Was Born, But…

“A masterpiece… remarkable… perfect in design and execution.” – A.O. Scott, The New York Times — NY theatrical premiere engagement! Screening with Ozu’s long-lost 1929 comedy short A STRAIGHTFORWARD BOY, shown in surviving condensed version!

One of the great silent comedies and an early masterpiece from Japan’s legendary Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story), I WAS BORN, BUT… is a sharp and raucous portrait of family dynamics. Mortified by their harried father’s kowtowing to his boss, two headstrong, prepubescent brothers retaliate at home, even going on a hunger strike. New York theatrical premiere engagement. Restored version, presented digitally, with a recorded score by Donald Sosin.

“Ozu’s first genuine masterpiece.” – TCM

“Riotous… worthy of Buster Keaton at his best.” – Time Out (London)

“Joyful… as true and as moving and as timely today as it was in 1932.” – Jonas Mekas

“Sublime… so profound… so compelling… devastating.” – Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader