Noriko Hirayama quotes from Tokyo Story (1953)

I think they should have stayed a bit longer.

Noriko

But they're busy.

They're selfish. Demanding things and leaving like this.

Noriko

They have their own affairs.

But you have yours too. They're selfish.

Noriko

But Kyoko...

Wanting her clothes right after her death. I felt so sorry for poor mother. Even strangers would have been more considerate!

Noriko

But look Kyoko. At your age I thought so too. But children do drift away from their parents. A woman has her own life, apart from her parents, when she becomes Shige's age. She meant no harm I'm sure. They have to look after their own lives.

I wonder. I won't ever be like that. Then what's the point of family?

Noriko

But children become like that, gradually.

Then... you, too?

Noriko

I may become like that in spite of myself.

Isn't life disappointing?

Noriko

Yes, it is.

Tomi

You may be happy while you're still young. But as you become older, you'll find it lonely.

Noriko

I won't get that old, so don't worry.

Noriko

I'm not always thinking of your son, though you think I am.

Shukichi

I'll be happy if you forget him.

Noriko

I'm not the nice woman she thought I was. If you see me like that, it embarrasses me.

Shukichi

No, it shouldn't.

Noriko

Really, I'm quite selfish.