Directed by Yasujiro Ozu • 1937 • Japan
Starring Michiko Kuwano, Tatsuo Saito, Sumiko Kurishima
Yasujiro Ozu puts a witty spin on his recurring theme of generational clash in this sophisticated comedy, which bears the unmistakable influence of Ernst Lubitsch. When modern, liberated Setsuko (Michiko Kuwano) visits her meek uncle Komiya (Tatsuo Saito), it’s not long before she sets about meddling in his relationship with his domineering socialite wife (Sumiko Kurishima), turning the gender dynamics in the household upside down. Gently satirizing the affectations of Japan’s upper class, Ozu crafts one of his brightest and lightest works.
Up Next in Directed by Yasujiro Ozu
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Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu • 1941 • Japan
Starring Mieko Takamine, Shin Saburi, Hideo FujinoFollowing a three-year break from filmmaking while he completed military service, Yasujiro Ozu returned to directing with this pointed family drama which in many ways anticipates the themes he would explor...
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There Was a Father
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu • 1942 • Japan
Starring Chishu Ryu, Haruhiko Tsugawa, Shuji SanoYasujiro Ozu’s frequent leading man Chishu Ryu is riveting as Shuhei, a widowed high school teacher who finds that the more he tries to do what is best for his son’s future, the more they are separated. Tho...
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Record of a Tenement Gentleman
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu • 1947 • Japan
Starring Choko Iida, Hohi Aoki, Eitaro OzawaYasujiro Ozu’s first post–World War II film takes place in an impoverished Tokyo neighborhood that has been partly destroyed in bombing raids. Here, a hard-hearted middle-aged widow (Choko Iida) reluctantly take...
