What great timing for the release of Tokyo Sonata! In the midst of a major recession I hear of someone I know losing a job way too often. It received the Un Certain Regard Jury Award in Cannes last year before anyone knew how bad the economy was going to get. In today's climate, it is right on the money.

The film opens with Ryumhei Sasaki getting laid off from his middle management job as the company is moving to a cheaper labor market in China. He cannot bring himself to tell his wife about this development, so he goes off each day to the park or library or to stand in line at the employment office where he learns there is no longer a need for his skill set. The lie of omission begins the unraveling of the family. His elder son Takashi wants to join the American military. The younger son Kenji wants to learn the piano. Ryuhmei's wife Megumi is the anchor of the family—holding all the parts together as they try to fly off in different directions. In time, the lies and secrets will nearly destroy the family.

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