An affectionate teacher can never be emotionally sane. The real meaning of the word 'teacher' is always a question of debate in this fast world seeking academic excellence. Keisuke Kinoshita’s ‘24 Eyes’ is an evergreen craft of celluloid visualizing student-teacher relationship. Hideko Takamine and Chisher Ryu play the lead roles in this 154 min Japanese movie.The film also picturises the sufferings of ordinary people afflicted by the casualities of World War II.
Oishi in 24 Eyes is a teacher who finds meaning in keeping emotional attachment with her students. Hideko Takamine gives life to the character of Oishi. The 24 innocent eyes of her 6 year old students get imprinted in her heart. When all teachers taught the students to be patriotic and join the army, Oishi believes that it is better to live as a poor fisherman or store keeper. She prefers long life of her kids.As Oishi evolves from 'Miss Pebble' to 'Cry-Baby teacher', she finds new values and meanings of life which were absurdities during the time of hunger,war and tears.
The nursery rhymes and songs of the kids in the first part of the film evoke childhood memories in the minds of the viewers. A realistic approach to life gives a classical touch to this movie.
Extreme long shots are used in most touching scenes of the film. The serene village atmosphere used by Kinoshita merges with the purity of the theme. Sentimentality is used brilliantly in this film.
‘24 Eyes’ is a treasure for all those who atleast imagined about the fragrance of teacher-student relationship. The film is for all the students who crave to meet a teacher who can inspire,understand, care and love them..A teacher who is more happy to see you as a humanbeing-just an ordinary person who values living.
