An Autumn Afternoon is Ozu's last film, and though he didn't know it, it feels like he's moved into a last act. Maybe that's what he calls "autumn", but his post-war Japan is now, in 1962, much more industrialized and "modern", as his trademark establishing shots attest. And instead of tradition clashing with modernity, modernity simply is, and tradition is something to wax nostalgic about. The film is filled with school reunions and old war buddies. The director again treats us to a kindly old patriarch who worries about marrying off his daughter, and she sort of becomes a symbol for the past. Letting her go (and in the traditional Japanese way) is akin to finally putting the past behind. Japan's history on a certain level, but for the father, it also means the next stage in his life, a lonelier one. Though there is humor, the piece is immensely melancholy, and if you've seen other Ozu films, you too pine for a simpler time where his camera was set in market streets far from the big city.
I love the establishing shots. Ozu captures a utility pole the way others would capture Mt. Fuji. Like he's telling us the value of life can be found in its everydayness.
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Siskoid
An Autumn Afternoon is Ozu's last film, and though he didn't know it, it feels like he's moved into a last act. Maybe that's what he calls "autumn", but his post-war Japan is now, in 1962, much more industrialized and "modern", as his trademark establishing shots attest. And instead of tradition clashing with modernity, modernity simply is, and tradition is something to wax nostalgic about. The film is filled with school reunions and old war buddies. The director again treats us to a kindly old patriarch who worries about marrying off his daughter, and she sort of becomes a symbol for the past. Letting her go (and in the traditional Japanese way) is akin to finally putting the past behind. Japan's history on a certain level, but for the father, it also means the next stage in his life, a lonelier one. Though there is humor, the piece is immensely melancholy, and if you've seen other Ozu films, you too pine for a simpler time where his camera was set in market streets far from the big city.rwthcj
Amazing.Had to go buy some beer after first 20 minutes. Didn't regret it.
samlowery
I love the establishing shots. Ozu captures a utility pole the way others would capture Mt. Fuji. Like he's telling us the value of life can be found in its everydayness.ClassicLady
When in the Autumn of ones life, a good daughter is a blessing to have.GoonerCinephile
Another masterpiece from the great Ozu!Dieguito
Great movie of master of cinema Yasujirô Ozu! A perfect ending for an impressive career.Buksemannen
Brilliant performance by Chishû Ryû.gerryt
I see a certain resemblance with "Banshu". Partly the same story and the same widowed dad.Nine99
It's on Criterion.