Yasujiro Ozu's Late Spring (1949) is the first part of an unofficial "Noriko trilogy" (3 Ozu films which have a character called Noriko performed by wonderful Setsuko Hara) of which I have seen only the last part before (Tokyo Story, one of my favorite films of all time). It tells about a woman and his relationship to his old father as he tries to get her married before it's too late.
Ozu's observations on family and changing values are still hard-hitting - even 60 years after the film was released. As differing values clash (regarding remarriage, arranged marriages and independence), something so utterly sad yet profound emerges.
Ozu employs his minimalism in a very successful way yet again. The restrained emotion of the story (up until a certain point, as usual) and the lovable characters make the film an unforgettable experience. Ozu's regulars, Setsuko Hara and Chishu Ryu, perform wonderfully yet again.
Even though Ozu is known for his minimal form and static camerawork, Late Spring features a few scenes in which the camera moves quite a lot. It proves that Ozu knows exactly how to use the camera in different scenes. His precise framing and impeccable editing make me jealous (in a good way, though).
Yasujiro Ozu delivers yet another masterpiece with Late Spring - a film which won't leave my mind at peace during the following weeks.
Score: 10 out of 10
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