Madadayo (1993)

Nestled in the heart of pre-WWII Tokyo, we find the story of Hyakken Uchida (Tatsuo Matsumura), a respected professor of German who, after thirty years of academic influence, chooses to hang up his professorial robes to embrace a new journey as a writer. His diverse array of students, bound by their shared affection for him, maintain a deep connection with the professor and his wife (Kyôko Kagawa). They shadow his life, painting a poignant portrait of loyalty and reverence that transcends generations. In 1943, Uchida's life takes an unexpected turn. The war rages, a bomb decimates his house, and he loses everything. The professor, unbroken in spirit, relocates to a humble gardener's cottage, exchanging his life of splendour for simplicity. Post-war, his devoted former students rally together, constructing for him a quaint home surrounded by a serene lake—a testament to their enduring love for their mentor. In the backdrop of this changing world, a unique ritual unfolds. For seventeen years, on every birthday of the professor, his students gather for a reunion steeped in whimsy and tradition. A playful ceremony, inspired by the innocence of children's hide and seek, forms the crux of their celebration. They pose a question to their beloved professor, "-Mahda-kai?" ("Are you ready?"), to which he responds with a hearty "-Madadayo!" ("Not yet!") before gulping down a large glass of beer. "Madadayo" is a deeply evocative film that explores the nuances of everyday life and customs in Japan. It is a timeless tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the depth of student-teacher bonds, and the celebration of life's enduring rhythms amidst the tumult of change. It encapsulates the professor's unyielding optimism and his yearning to persist, all wrapped in the quintessential Japanese ethos.

Madadayo is a comedy movie featuring Tatsuo Matsumura and directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Madadayo is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.