I Graduated, But...

Synopsis

I Graduated, But... is a silent film directed by Yasujirō Ozu that follows the story of a young college graduate struggling to find meaningful employment in a rapidly changing society. The protagonist, played by Minoru Takada, faces the harsh reality of job scarcity and societal expectations while navigating the complexities of adulthood. With Ozu's signature storytelling style and atmospheric cinematography, the film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity in 1920s Japan. Through poignant character interactions and visual symbolism, I Graduated, But... offers a thought-provoking reflection on the challenges of transitioning into the professional world amid personal growth and societal pressures.

Cast

• 

  Minoru Takada

  Tetsuo Nomoto

• 

  Kinuyo Tanaka

  Machiko Nomoto

• 

  Utako Suzuki

  Mother

• 

  Kenji Oyama

  Sugimara

• 

  Shinichi Himori

  Tailor

• 

  Kenji Kimura

  Executive

Reviews

I Graduated, But... received mixed reviews upon its release in 1929. While some critics praised the film's introspective narrative and Takada's compelling performance, others found the pacing slow and the social commentary heavy-handed. According to IMDb, the audience rating stands at 6.4/10, indicating a somewhat polarized reception. Variety mentioned, 'Ozu skillfully captures the essence of post-graduation dilemmas with a subtle touch.' On the other hand, The New York Times criticized the film for its lack of emotional depth and character development. Despite varying opinions, I Graduated, But... remains a notable work of early Japanese cinema that continues to spark discussions on youth, ambition, and societal expectations.

See also

Interstellar

Joker

Titanic

Shutter Island