Late Spring
Director: Yasujirô Ozu
Actors: Chishû Ryû, Setsuko Hara, Yumeji Tsukioka
PlotA middle-aged widower, Shukichi Somiya, lives with his devoted and dutiful daughter, Noriko, in post-World War II Japan. Noriko, content with her life, enjoys taking care of her father and has no desire to marry. Concerned for her future happiness, Shukichi and his sister, Masa, begin to pressure Noriko into considering marriage. Despite numerous attempts, Noriko dismisses the idea, finding joy and fulfillment in her current role and fearing the change that marriage would bring.
Persistent in his efforts, Shukichi arranges for Noriko to meet eligible bachelors through family acquaintances. As tensions rise, Shukichi devises a plan to convince Noriko that both her happiness and his own well-being depend on her marrying and starting a new life. Reluctantly, Noriko starts to consider the possibility of marriage despite her initial resistance. The narrative delicately explores themes of familial duty, generational conflict, and the changing societal norms of post-war Japan, ultimately leading to life-altering decisions for both father and daughter.
Writers: Kazuo Hirotsu, Kôgo Noda, Yasujirô Ozu
Release Date: 21 Jul 1972
Runtime: 108 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Home Video Reviews
Late Spring is a profoundly moving film by Yasujiro Ozu, offering a respectable video transfer and notable extras despite some age-related imperfections.
Read our review of Late Spring Blu-ray 晩春 to find out more