I Graduated But... is a film fragment and all that is left of Ozu's 100-minute original film. Sadly, the majority of Japanese films from this era were lost or destroyed. Interestingly enough the basic framework of the story survived and was shown here in just eleven minutes.

Noboko has graduated and the only job he is offered is as a receptionist. Feeling the job is beneath him he turns it down but lies to his mother and fiancée saying that he is now employed. His mother visits with his fiancée in tow and evidently he and Machiko married soon thereafter. He finally has to admit to his wife that he is unemployed and spends his time playing with kids in an empty lot. Not long after he asks his wife where she has been all day and she admits she took a job at a bar so that they could make ends meet. Seeing her work and how men react to her, he strikes out again to find employment. He returns to accept the job as receptionist, willing to take any job offered. "Evidently, you have discovered the realities of life."

This film showed the nascent style Ozu would become famous for including shooting from the mat. Despite its short length the story encapsulated a complete tale. Whether the theme was difficulty finding a job as in other Ozu films from this time or difficulties between a mother and son or the lies about employment the spouses told each other, the film promised an engaging peek into one couple's marriage. The story had a nice symmetry to it with the beginning and the ending occurring at a job interview for the same company. The film tantalized me and also saddened me because the other 89 minutes are lost. I quite enjoyed the positive vibe to the film and would have liked to have seen the story fleshed out. I Graduated But... might whet your appetite for a full meal leaving you frustrated, but I'm grateful we had this delicious amuse bouche to savor.

6/19/23