I Flunked, But...

"What does flunked mean?"

I Flunked, But… was one of Ozu’s early silent films about university life. It was a warmhearted story demonstrating life’s ups and downs during and after university.

Shomochi and his four buddies don’t take things too seriously as they cheat during exams and spend the evening before the big final exam cramming. Shomochi is the leader helping the others to study. He also prepares his white shirt as an answer guide. Nothing is ever that easy, especially when the house mom inadvertently collects the cheat sheet shirt along with the dirty clothes and gives it to the laundry services. The roommates panic at the loss. Much to everyone’s surprise the four roommates pass while Shomochi fails. The boys are sad for their friend, but Shomochi is devastated to not be able to graduate. Shomochi receives comfort from an unexpected source and finds his path toward adulthood and confidence. The four graduates discover the harsh reality of a disastrous economy where their diplomas mean very little.

Just as bachelor Ozu made numerous films about marriage and family life, he never attended university, so his take on it was more what he envisioned it to be than what he’d experienced. I enjoy Ozu's silent films, his style was more mobile. People moved naturally and looked at each other, not the camera, when they were talking. He wasn't rigid with filming from the mat and some shots were filmed from a higher position. The comedy felt organic and not forced. The boys had many humorous moments without delving completely into slapstick. I did miss his meticulously designed sets with the spare compositions. Of course, these were college boys and cluttered rooms were more realistic. An American movie poster and American university pennants decorated the walls. Ozu's teapot did receive prominent placement in one shot!

While there were many comedic moments, they alternated with sadness and discouragement. University life felt more insular. When the graduates faced the unforgiving economy, they were the ones needing help and encouragement. “Why did we have to graduate so fast?” Shomochi, on the other hand, moved toward maturity and finding joy in the moment.

This film shared the bonds formed from late night study sessions and walking arm and arm to a dance beat. Love brought encouragement in the darkest moments as did friendship. Maturity became a path adversity set them on. I Flunked, But… asked what it means to fail, and if one fails…what next? What happens when you do everything right but still can’t succeed? Ozu left some of those questions unanswered for the students who sought to find happiness amidst the sorrow and victory from failure.

25 February 2024

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