The story is focused on Noriko, a 28-year-old daughter, who the rest of the family is lightheartedly implying is one of those women that never wants to get married.  Yet, the notion that Noriko will not get married is worrisome for the Mamiya family as it is tradition to marry and the older she gets the harder it will be for her to find a suitable husband that the family will approve of.  The approval of the family is crucial as it will reflect on the parents position in the society as it is important to marry someone of higher status.  Noriko is also a woman of her time as she changes with the times and has a job that helps support the family.  Her independence is considered by family members as disrespectful towards the old traditions, and it also worries the family.  Despite what others think Noriko wanders her own way with a good spirit, which seems to reflect upon those around her.

Osu created a brilliant film when he worked on Early Summer in the early 50s as he captures the societal changes within Japan through one single family.  The changes that Ozu presents are sincere as they are not always pleasant, yet the changes will help the people grow in several different ways.  It is within the change that the key to the story rests as it presents a thick fabric of artistry with numerous thoughts that will hopefully open several doors to debate.  Early Summer is a cinematic event of historical proportions that will remain influential for many years to come.

DIRECTED BY

Yasujiro Ozu

COUNTRY

Japan

Filmography links and data courtesy of