Ozu's first talkie is an early masterpiece that deals with his usual themes of family and the parent-child relationship. Ozu was one of the latest directors to change from silent to sound films. He uses the sound system developed by his cinematographer Mohara Hideo to striking effect. The story examines the motherly love of a peasant who gives up everything so that her son can have education in Tokyo. Ten years later, she pays her son a visit in Tokyo, believing that he has become a successful person. However, upon arrival, she finds that he is far from being successful. In fact, he is working as a teacher in an evening school and lives with his wife in poverty.