Late Spring (1949)

Short description

Late Spring (1949) is a classic Japanese drama directed by Yasujiro Ozu. It tells the story of Noriko, a young woman in her late twenties who lives with her widowed father, Shukichi. Noriko is content with her life and has no desire to marry, but Shukichi is determined to find her a husband. He arranges for her to meet several potential suitors, but she rejects them all.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the subtle nuances of everyday life in post-war Japan. Ozu's use of long takes and static camera angles gives the film an intimate feel that draws the viewer into the characters' lives. The performances are also excellent; Setsuko Hara gives a nuanced performance as Noriko, conveying both her inner strength and vulnerability. Chishu Ryu also gives an outstanding performance as Shukichi, conveying his love for his daughter while also showing his determination to find her a husband.

The film's themes of family, tradition and change are explored through its characters and their relationships with each other. The relationship between Noriko and Shukichi is particularly poignant; it's clear that they love each other deeply but are unable to express it in words. This theme of unspoken love is echoed throughout the film as characters struggle to express their feelings for one another without resorting to words or gestures.

Overall, Late Spring (1949) is an excellent example of Japanese cinema at its finest. It's a beautiful film that captures the nuances of everyday life in post-war Japan while exploring themes of family, tradition and change through its characters and their relationships with each other. Highly recommended viewing for fans of classic Japanese cinema!