Early Summer

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

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.

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

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

  • 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

  • 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.

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