An Autumn Afternoon

An Autumn Afternoon, Yasujiro Ozu 1962

Some find Ozu's films too stark and light in pace and narrative progression - indeed, early in his career his films were thought to be 'too Japanese' to appeal to international audiences - but I find his masterfully austere films with universal themes to be very appealing both visually and emotionally.

His domestic dramas, like An Autumn Afternoon, relate common universal problems that humans experience - be it a husband learning how to live as a widow, the reality of the rising cost of living, a son's struggle starting his own family, or the guilt inflicting a young woman caring for her widowed father who is urged to leave home and marry.
Although Yasujiro Ozu films may seem intrinsically Japanese, his themes are universal yet powerful, and easy to relate to.

For me, Ozu's trademark compositions filmed with a static camera 3ft above the ground perfectly showcase the Japanese architecture and design which I am so fond of.

An Autumn Afternoon - one big Sapporo ad

A touching and poignant film, and Ozu's last, An Autumn Afternoon sweetly reminds us of the struggles that we all face, and ultimately, the importance of friendship and family.

Ozu regular Chishu Ryu

Shima Iwashita