Tokyo Story

I think Shukichi and Tomi's relationship was more peaceful than the character's relationship in "Spring Riding in a Carriage." In the movie, I didn't see them quarrel or disagree to the point where really hurtful thing were being said. In fact Tomi would often say "Sou desu ne" to the things her husband made comments on. Their conversations weren't focused on Tomi's illness but on the life surrounding them. When they were visiting their children they were, for the most part, side by side. They're togetherness wasn't forced. One didn't feel obliged to stay with the other, as in "Spring Riding in a Carriage." The husband, in that story, seemed like he was taking care of all of his wife's needs because if he didn't he would have yet another argument. Also, the wife in the film wasn't demanding or needy as the wife in the story. For example, in the film, there was a scene where Shukichi and Tomi were sitting by the seaside. When Tomi got up she sort've fell because she felt dizzy. When the husband came to see if she was okay, she somewhat brushed the issue away saying he didn't have to worry. After, she got up without his help. However, I think it's important to note that physically the wife in the "Spring...Carriage" seemed worse. She would often cough for a very long time making it painful and she even scratched her bosom making her skin coarse. Furthermore, she was immobile thus she couldn't wipe the phlegm she would cough up. Thus, it's understandable why she was needier. Yet, she seemed a bit spiteful in the way she ask her husband for assistance. She would make him feel guilty for not nursing her the way she saw fit. Another difference is that the couple in "Tokyo Story" are much older. They have been married for decades while the couple in "Spring...Carriage" are newlyweds with no kids. Perhaps, the husband's insensitivity comes from the fact that he doesn't understand how his wife who was so healthy before is suffering so miserably now. Additionally, he probably is really sad about the fact that he doesn't have the opportunity to make many memories with her. In "Tokyo Story" the couple has so many memories (some of them are talked about after the funeral). They have children with well-established lives and families. Therefore, I think it's easier for Shukichi to let his wife go. Despite the many differences, there is no doubt that the couple in each story love each other. In "Spring Riding in a Carriage," they wait together as the protagonist's wife is dying. Despite her being satisfied with his way of taking caring of her, the wife says "I am truly sorry." I think her apology means that she is not only sorry for the pain she caused while he took care of her, but for the fact that after she dies he will be lonely. He shows his love for her by doing such things as finding the food that she likes. He searches diligently to get her the innards she likes. Also when he finds out that his wife is sure to die, he doesn't get a sense of relief as some may think. Instead he feels heavy. He questions death and cries. In the film, after Tomi dies, Shukichi mentions that his days will feel longer. For me this very statement demonstrates her the immensity of her existence to him.