Early Summer (1951)

100% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
91% of users liked it
(2,709 ratings)

Writer/director Yasujiro Ozu combines two of his favorite themes--the culture clashes in modern Japan and the emergence of the independent Japanese woman--in Early Summer (Bakushu). Setsuko Hara plays a young woman of the post-war era who is promised in an arranged marriage. But too much has… More Writer/director Yasujiro Ozu combines two of his favorite themes--the culture clashes in modern Japan and the emergence of the independent Japanese woman--in Early Summer (Bakushu). Setsuko Hara plays a young woman of the post-war era who is promised in an arranged marriage. But too much has happened in the world and in the girl's own life to allow her to agree to this union without protest. The characters in Early Summer are neither remote historical personages nor distant foreigners. They are types as easily recognizable in Japan as in any country, and this commonality enhances the universal appeal of this austere film. Yasujiro Ozu collaborated on the script of Early Summer with Kogo Noda. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Yasujiro Ozu
Written By: Kôgo Noda, Yasujiro Ozu
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1951 Wide
On DVD: Jul 20, 2004

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
If you've seen one Ozu film, you probably have the drift of his austere, quiet style, and you don't need my recommendation. If you haven't, take a chance.
Anton Bitel, Little White Lies
in keeping with the shift in seasons, there is a comic lightness to the proceedings - even if, as the film draws towards its conclusion, we become increasingly aware of autumn's chilly approach.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The usual Yasujiro Ozu masterpiece about the clash in family life over traditional and modern values in postwar Japan.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Ozu's films fill me with such a profound sense of serenity and emotional richness that it makes me wonder why people rent or buy anyone else's movies.
Leo Goldsmith, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
Early Summer is the apotheosis of Ozu's investigations of domestic, geographical and emotional space.
Jake Euker, Filmcritic.com
the perfect vehicle for chronicling the small pleasures and disappointments that comprise the bigger enterprise of life
Mark Robison, Reno Gazette-Journal
Ozu newcomers will have trouble following the 19 characters, but fans will love it.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bob S

All bow before the three-headed God of Ryu, Hara and Ozu!
Anthony L

In Late spring you see a Japan that is nearing it's end, in Early Summer you start to see a new Japan, a new way of thinking, a new way of living. This is shown through the cultural clashes and the western influences on the role of the woman. What Early Summer achieves the most… More
In Late spring you see a Japan that is nearing it's end, in Early Summer you start to see a new Japan, a new way of thinking, a new way of living. This is shown through the cultural clashes and the western influences on the role of the woman. What Early Summer achieves the most though, is the ultimate feeling of contentment by the elder family members, they see that traditionally speaking, traditions change and it's beautifully but subtly done.
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic][color=darkorchid]"Early Summer" is a Japanese film from 1951. It is about Noriko, who is a young woman with a stable extended family, lots of friends and a good job. She seems to be very happy but everybody within a thirty mile radius worries because… More
[font=Century Gothic][color=darkorchid]"Early Summer" is a Japanese film from 1951. It is about Noriko, who is a young woman with a stable extended family, lots of friends and a good job. She seems to be very happy but everybody within a thirty mile radius worries because she is 28 and has not married yet.(This is also a side issue in "Fear and Trembling" which shows that this topic has not gone away forty years later.) It is postwar Japan where European dress mixes with more traditional clothing. It seems like women are starting to work more out of the home. What director Yosujiro Ozu does, as he also did in his classic "Tokyo Story", is to make a wonderful movie out of the truly mundane tasks of everyday life. The central plotline is handled in a much gentler way than it was also handled in "Late Marriage". [/color][/font]
Christopher B

Ozu is a master and telling simple stories about family, one of my favourite subject matters. A great story of tradition and modern life that truly reflects Japan with it's traditional cultures vs being on the cutting edge.