An Autumn Afternoon

Japan   Yasujiro Ozu

His last film deals with the themes and uses the techniques that he used his entire career...the intricacies of family life and the social contract, static camera set three feet from the floor, pillow shots, etc.

The film also starred Ozu's alter-ego Chishu Ryu...whose calm demeanor and kindly face represent the ideal Japanese man and father. The 'drama' here was the decision by a father to marry off his daughter in her prime thus condemning himself to a solitary, lonely old age. It's a poignant notion typically underplayed and can't fail to move an audience.

Ozu's films are said to represent the soul of Japan, to carry the essence of what the Japanese people would like to emulate. They stand as singular gems in world cinema and will be watched and reflected upon for as long as the concept of cinema exists.

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