Madadayo 2000
Directed by
Akira Kurosawa
Made by
Criterion Collection, The
Plot Summary
The film draws inspiration from the life of Hyakken Uchida, a notable Japanese academic and author (1889–1971). Set in the tumultuous period preceding the Second World War, Uchida, portrayed as a dedicated professor of German, delivers an emotional farewell to his disheartened students as he announces his retirement. In 1943, he relocates to a larger home, though his wife harbors worries about their neighborhood’s safety. Two of his students, with mischievous intent, stage a break-in, only to stumble upon Uchida’s handwritten guidelines for burgling their own house.
He later invites several students to a dinner, but due to wartime rationing, he feels embarrassed that he can only offer them venison and horse meat. Tragedy strikes when his home is consumed by flames in U.S. bombing raids, forcing Uchida and his wife to seek refuge in a cramped shack, deprived of basic amenities save for their remaining belongings.
As peace returns after the war, Uchida’s former students band together to throw a celebratory banquet in his honor. When inquired about his readiness to leave this world, he firmly responds, > “Not yet,” which gives rise to the banquet receiving the whimsical title of the “Not Yet Banquet.” As the lively festivities wind down, two American military policemen appear yet are disarmed by the joy resonating in the room.
With the dedication of his students, Uchida builds a new house for him and his wife, complete with a serene pond that holds a tiny island at its center. During this time, they are visited by a stray alley cat, which Uchida lovingly names Alley. However, trouble looms as a developer purchases the lot across from their home, insisting he must buy their place as well. Uchida’s refusal leads to the realization that the development would obstruct his view. Thankfully, his students unite to buy the contested lot, returning it to the seller who finds themselves in need of both money and the land, promising not to encroach on Uchida’s view.
As fate would have it, Alley goes missing during a storm, plunging Uchida into a profound sorrow. He exhaustively searches for the cat, rallying support from his students, local schools, and townspeople, but false leads only deepen his despair. A brief moment of hope arises on a train when he believes he glimpses Alley at a station, yet the train pulls away without a reunion.
Soon after, a new feline companion appears. He names this one Kurz, translating to “short” in German, and this new presence brings a spark of happiness back into his life, lifting his previous despondency.
As the tradition continues, his former students hold the seventeenth Not Yet Banquet. This time the gathering reflects a new generation, as the children of his students present him with beautiful flowers while grandchildren surprise him with a sizable cake. After thanking everyone and sharing some heartfelt words, Uchida tragically collapses from arrhythmia. He is brought home to rest, where he falls into a deep slumber, dreaming of his childhood and the delightful game of Hide-and-seek. In his dream, while seeking a hiding spot, he hears children urging him, inquiring if he is ready, to which he replies, “not yet.” Ultimately, he discovers a perfect hiding place while gazing out at a golden sun.
This poignant narrative melds actual events from Uchida’s life, like the relentless search for his missing cat and the struggles following the loss of his home, with Akira Kurosawa’s reflections on Japan’s modern history, including the American occupation, which he previously approached with more subtlety in his earlier films.
Timeline
Uchida's Farewell
In a heart-wrenching moment, Hyakken Uchida bids farewell to his students as he announces his retirement from teaching. This farewell symbolizes the end of an era for both Uchida and his students, who feel a deep sense of loss as they prepare to transition into a world overshadowed by the upcoming war.
Moving to a Larger Home
In 1943, Uchida and his wife relocate to a larger residence as a result of growing family needs. However, this decision is marred by his wife's anxiety about the safety of their new neighborhood amidst the mounting tensions of World War II.
Mischievous Break-in
Two of Uchida's students, motivated by playful antics, decide to stage a break-in at Uchida's home. In an unexpected turn, they discover a collection of his handwritten notes, which intriguingly detail steps for burgling their own residence.
Dinner Party and Wartime Rationing
Uchida hosts several students for dinner, yet he feels a sense of embarrassment due to the meager wartime rations available. The meal, limited to venison and horse meat, reflects the struggles of the time and Uchida's deep care for his students.
Heartbreaking Loss of Home
Tragedy strikes when Uchida's home is engulfed in flames due to U.S. bombing raids. He and his wife are left without shelter, forced to seek refuge in a cramped shack while holding onto the remnants of their belongings.
Celebratory Banquet
As peace returns after the war, Uchida's former students organize a festive gathering to honor him. The banquet is whimsically dubbed the 'Not Yet Banquet' after Uchida's poignant response when asked about leaving this world.
Two American MPs Appear
During the lively festivities of the 'Not Yet Banquet,' two American military policemen arrive at the scene. However, they are soon disarmed by the overwhelming joy and camaraderie prevalent among Uchida's students and friends.
Building a New House
With unwavering support from his students, Uchida constructs a new home for him and his wife, incorporating a tranquil pond with a tiny island at its center. This new residence symbolizes hope and renewal after the devastation of war.
The Arrival of Alley
Uchida adopts a stray alley cat, whom he affectionately names Alley. This feline companion brings joy to Uchida's life, helping to ease the emotional scars left by the war and the loss of their home.
Developer's Threat
A developer purchases the lot across from Uchida's new home, causing distress as he insists on acquiring Uchida's property as well. Uchida's refusal is pivotal, leading him to realize that this development would block his cherished view.
Students Come to the Rescue
In a united effort, Uchida's former students band together to buy the contested lot, demonstrating their loyalty and appreciation for their teacher. They successfully return the lot to the seller, ensuring that Uchida's view remains unobstructed.
Alley Goes Missing
During a storm, Uchida's beloved cat Alley goes missing, plunging him into deep sorrow. His desperate search for Alley rallies support from students and townspeople, yet he faces frustrations and false leads that deepen his despair.
Brief Hope and Heartbreak
Uchida experiences a fleeting moment of hope on a train when he believes he spots Alley at a station. Unfortunately, as the train pulls away, he realizes that it was just an illusion, amplifying his feelings of loss.
New Feline Companion Kurz
In time, Uchida finds a new feline companion, which he names Kurz, meaning 'short' in German. This new arrival rekindles a sense of joy in Uchida's life, helping him cope with the sadness of Alley's absence.
The Seventeenth Not Yet Banquet
His students organize the seventeenth iteration of the 'Not Yet Banquet,' this time featuring their children, who present beautiful flowers, and grandchildren, who surprise him with a cake. Tragically, during the festivities, Uchida collapses from arrhythmia, leading to a moment of reflection in his timeless dream.
Characters
Hyakken Uchida
Uchida is a devoted professor who embodies wisdom, warmth, and resilience. His emotional journey reflects the trials of his life, from the loss of his home to the longing for his missing cat. His bond with his students showcases his role as a mentor and father figure who inspires others even in his struggles.
Setting
Time period
Pre-World War II to post-war
The movie spans from the period just before World War II through the post-war era in Japan. This time was marked by significant social and political upheaval, resulting in both personal and collective challenges for its citizens. The film explores themes of change, adaptation, and the enduring bonds of friendship amidst the backdrop of historical events.
Location
Japan
The film is set in Japan during the early 20th century, specifically in the tumultuous period leading up to the Second World War. The various locations depicted, including Uchida's home and the surrounding neighborhood, reflect the struggles and resilience of Japanese society during this era. The aftermath of the war is portrayed through Uchida's life and house, symbolizing both loss and hope.
Themes
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Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in the narrative as Uchida reflects on his past and the relationships he built throughout his life. The recurring theme of 'Not Yet' encapsulates the idea of unresolved feelings and the continuance of life beyond loss. It also highlights the connection between nostalgia and personal growth.
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Loss
Loss is a prevalent theme in the movie, epitomized by Uchida's burning home and the disappearance of his beloved cat, Alley. These losses not only signify personal tragedy but also represent the societal destruction during the war. The journey of recovery from such losses reflects the resilience of the human spirit.
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Celebration
The theme of celebration is woven throughout the narrative, especially visible during the 'Not Yet Banquets'. These gatherings symbolize joy, community, and remembrance, providing a sense of continuity despite the tribulations faced by Uchida and his students. They emphasize the importance of togetherness in overcoming life's challenges.
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