The more seen of Yasujiro Ozu's films, re-discovering him recently, the bigger the impact he has had on me. His films are so well made, directed and acted, but they are also very human and emotionally investable with characters that are easy to get behind and identify with. Three prime examples being the coined Noriko Trilogy. Comprising of 'Late Spring', 'Tokyo Story' and this, 'Early Summer'. Consider the other two masterpieces, especially marginally the latter.
Also consider 'Early Summer' a masterpiece (do try not to throw that word around too often these days in fear of being criticised for being hyperbolic or over-generous) in every way. One of Ozu's best and one of the films that best show how great and influential he was and still is as a director. Everything that is so appealing about his work, both at his best and when he was not quite on peak form (even then he was better than most directors on that front), is here in 'Early Summer'.
'Early Summer' is incredibly well made as usual for Ozu. Most striking visually being the photography, really loved the intimacy of it which played some part in how one connects so much to the characters here without being too confined. The interiors are beautifully designed, and there is nothing cheap about the use of low angles. Ozu's direction also can't be faulted, it is very detailed as one expects from him and very accomodating.
Have always loved the similarly inobtrusive use of music in Ozu's films, where it adds much to the gentle mood and intimacy. The music in 'Early Summer' has that, in a hauntingly beautiful way. A lot of the dialogue is pure poetry and has an honesty and personal touch that moved me. The story is very slight, but very elegant in its simplicity, has a good deal of warmth and it really does stir the emotions. Ozu's films always had a humanity and realism, primarily in his portrayal of the middle-class and what happens in their lives, and this is no exceptions.
It was easy for me to connect with the characters, there is a good deal of depth to them and it is easy to identify with them more the more that's revealed about them. They feel like real people, not caricatures or cliches, in realistic and true to life situations. The acting is more than great, with the film being carried by the ever wonderful Setsuko Hara in a quietly dignified performance.
Overall, another one of Ozu's best. 10/10
Also consider 'Early Summer' a masterpiece (do try not to throw that word around too often these days in fear of being criticised for being hyperbolic or over-generous) in every way. One of Ozu's best and one of the films that best show how great and influential he was and still is as a director. Everything that is so appealing about his work, both at his best and when he was not quite on peak form (even then he was better than most directors on that front), is here in 'Early Summer'.
'Early Summer' is incredibly well made as usual for Ozu. Most striking visually being the photography, really loved the intimacy of it which played some part in how one connects so much to the characters here without being too confined. The interiors are beautifully designed, and there is nothing cheap about the use of low angles. Ozu's direction also can't be faulted, it is very detailed as one expects from him and very accomodating.
Have always loved the similarly inobtrusive use of music in Ozu's films, where it adds much to the gentle mood and intimacy. The music in 'Early Summer' has that, in a hauntingly beautiful way. A lot of the dialogue is pure poetry and has an honesty and personal touch that moved me. The story is very slight, but very elegant in its simplicity, has a good deal of warmth and it really does stir the emotions. Ozu's films always had a humanity and realism, primarily in his portrayal of the middle-class and what happens in their lives, and this is no exceptions.
It was easy for me to connect with the characters, there is a good deal of depth to them and it is easy to identify with them more the more that's revealed about them. They feel like real people, not caricatures or cliches, in realistic and true to life situations. The acting is more than great, with the film being carried by the ever wonderful Setsuko Hara in a quietly dignified performance.
Overall, another one of Ozu's best. 10/10