14 April 2012

Early Summer (1951)

by guest writer

Early Summer finds Yasujirô Ozu using his usual ‘recipe’, dealing with transitional struggles within the middle-class Japanese society. The ’50s are considered by many the directors’s prime, with the richest films of his entire career. This time a neglected family is on focus, that of the 28-year-old Noriko (Setsuko Hara). The feeling of lost time is present in each character, from Noriko’s friends to her brother and her bratty nephews. This primary theme of wishing for life to stay as it is, but knowing it can’t, shows the modern thinking capacity of an anti-conservative Japanese director. The ephemeral is by itself a symbol of necessary change both in tradition and history and it is beautifully suggested by a natural phenomenon, the wind.

Ozu’s movies are not meant to pass on judgement upon the Japanese society; instead they subtly and wisely depict the strengths and the weaknesses of a noble nation. You will be amazed to find in the director’s filmography many films with similar names, especially seasons. Although he remade some of his ’30s movies later in the ’50s, his craftsmanship and constant input in improving his works never fail to impress.

photos: stills from the film; production credits

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9 Responses to Early Summer (1951)

  1. Kellie Collis wrote on
    --> 14 April 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Looks like a fabulous summer! Have a delightful day, Kellie xx

  2. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 14 April 2012 at 3:02 pm

    This seems like a good one.

    I just got back from the library. In the back of my mind I had my Ada-influence list but unfortunately I found nothing on it. But I did bring home a classic, Zorba the Greek.

    I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful weekend!

  3. Shin wrote on
    --> 15 April 2012 at 3:46 am

    Hi Ada! How are you? I hope you had a great Easter weekend! Beautiful images and movie reviews as always! I love finding new movies to see on your blog :-). xoxoxo

  4. Meghan @ Wishful Thinking wrote on
    --> 16 April 2012 at 1:33 pm

    As ever, this sounds like a beautiful movie. Hope you had a wonderful weekend Ada!

  5. The PvdH Journal wrote on
    --> 16 April 2012 at 4:56 pm

    Let me tell you what a true delight it has been to catch up on your blog with my brekkie this a.m. it just keeps getting more and more interesting and I love how I always learn something new.

    I will be checking out Ozu’s movies (still need to find a place now in Mexico for art cinema films..)

    Paola

    http://www.ThePvdHJournal.com

  6. Jody Brettkelly wrote on
    --> 16 April 2012 at 7:46 pm

    Fascinating, love posts like this. I’m going to try and get on of his films on NetFlix.

  7. Nicole wrote on
    --> 16 April 2012 at 9:52 pm

    Hello Ada!
    I just got into bed with my laptop to read your blog 🙂 lovely as always!

    Hope you had great weekend 🙂

  8. Odessa wrote on
    --> 17 April 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Hi Ada, am so ready for summer! xoxo

  9. Elisabeth Ruth wrote on
    --> 18 April 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Your picks are gorgeous! I can’t say more than this…:) Yasujiro Ozu is of the most important directors of all times together with Mizoguchi, Naruse, Kurosawa and Ichikawa. Did not see this, but I will sure give a quick amazon search and buy it!