‘Late Spring’: A Tale of Sacrifice, Transition, and Family

Director Yasujiro Ozu has influenced generations of filmmakers in scenes of the family and homelife.

Noriko Somiya (Setsuko Hara) lives a tranquil life with her father, Professor Shukichi Somiya (Chishu Ryu), in “Late Spring.” Shochiku

NR | 1h 50m | Comedy, Drama | 1949

Yasujiro Ozu stands as one of cinema’s most influential directors; his work has quietly shaped subsequent generations of filmmakers. While celebrated directors like Akira Kurosawa and Jean Renoir captivated audiences with dazzling techniques, Ozu crafted films that explored life’s quieter yet profound moments. His serene, melodic portrayals of family, marriage, and mortality resonate as poetic celebrations of both nature and humanity. These stories unfold with deliberate pacing, making Ozu’s distinct cinematic language legendary.