Good Morning 1959
"Important things are hard to say."
Yasujirō Ozu's 1959 comedic family drama Good Morning (1959) offers a playful, warm take on the filmmaker's signature focus on intergenerational family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a quiet 1950s Tokyo suburb.
Director: Yasujirō Ozu
Cast
Keiji Sada
Heiichiro Fukui
Yoshiko Kuga
Setsuko Arita
Chishū Ryū
Keitaro Hayashi
Kuniko Miyake
Tamiko Hayashi
Haruko Sugimura
Kikue Haraguchi
Kōji Shitara
Minoru Hayashi
Masahiko Shimazu
Isamu Hayashi
Kyōko Izumi
Midori Maruyama
Taiji Tonoyama
Pushy Man
Toyo Takahashi
Shige Okubo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Good Morning (1959) about?
The film follows two young brothers who stop speaking entirely after their parents refuse to buy them a television set, sparking a series of small, silly, and heartfelt family conflicts. Set in a 1950s Tokyo suburb, the story uses the boys' protest to explore the unspoken tensions and quiet affection that define everyday family life, all wrapped in Ozu's signature gentle, observant humor.
Who directed Good Morning?
Good Morning (1959) was directed by Yasujirō Ozu, one of the most celebrated and influential filmmakers in the history of Japanese cinema, known for his quiet, empathetic portrayals of family and everyday life.
Who stars in Good Morning?
The film features a standout cast including Keiji Sada, Yoshiko Kuga, Chishū Ryū, Kuniko Miyake, and Haruko Sugimura, who bring the messy, loving family at the story's center to life.
Is Good Morning (1959) worth watching?
Absolutely, especially for fans of gentle, character-driven comedy and drama, or anyone interested in classic Japanese cinema. While it holds no official IMDb rating, the film's warm, relatable themes, sharp wit, and Ozu's masterful, understated direction make it a charming, rewarding watch for viewers of all ages. It balances silly, accessible gags with thoughtful observations about family that feel just as relevant today as they did in 1959.
How long is Good Morning?
Good Morning (1959) has a total runtime of 94 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 34 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
Good Morning (1959): Ozu's Playful Take on Family Tension — Full Movie Info
Yasujirō Ozu's 1959 comedic family drama Good Morning (1959) offers a playful, warm take on the filmmaker's signature focus on intergenerational family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a quiet 1950s Tokyo suburb. Shot in vibrant color, the story centers on two young brothers who stage a silent protest when their parents refuse to splurge on a new television set, a small squabble that lays bare the unspoken tensions and quiet joys of everyday household life. Ozu infuses the film with his trademark gentle wit, using the boys' perspective to mock the petty foibles and unspoken rules of the adult world, while a stellar supporting cast including Keiji Sada, Yoshiko Kuga, Chishū Ryū, and Kuniko Miyake brings the messy, loving family at the story's core to vivid life.
Blending lighthearted slapstick and quiet, understated drama, Good Morning (1959) balances silly, relatable gags with thoughtful observations about communication, compromise, and the small, unspoken moments that hold families together. Its 94-minute runtime flies by, making it an accessible, charming entry point for viewers new to Ozu's work, as well as a delightful rewatch for longtime fans of the director's singular style. Whether you're exploring classic Japanese cinema or looking for a low-stakes, heartfelt story about family, this film delivers the perfect mix of humor and heart, and is easy to stream or download across most modern viewing platforms.
