About Early Summer

"Early Summer" (1951) is a Japanese film directed by Yasujirō Ozu and produced by Takeshi Yamamoto. The film provides an in-depth exploration of the pressures of post-war Japan with focus on the challenges faced by the Japanese family system and women. In a detailed sequence of family life, the movie tells a story of a young woman who defies societal and parental expectations to choose her own path.

Making / Production

Yasujirō Ozu, the director of Early Summer, used simple cinematography and a low camera angle, which was a particular characteristic of his films. The movie was produced by Shochiku studios, the film company where Ozu spent his entire career. The script was written by Ozu and Kōgo Noda, who consistently collaborated and were known for their lengthy scriptwriting process.

Actors

• Chikage Awashima as Aya Tamura - Awashima played the younger sister of the female protagonist, bringing a youthful and modern perspective to the film.
• Chishū Ryū as Koichi - In his soulful portrayal of the brother Koichi, Ryu heavily contributed to the emotional depth in the film.
• Setsuko Hara as Noriko - Hara took on the role of Noriko, the lead character who fascinates the audience with her determination and subtly rebellious nature against traditional Japanese norms.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was released in the US seven years after its initial release in Japan, in 1958.
• It was part of Ozu’s Noriko Trilogy, which also included "Late Spring" (1949) and "Tokyo Twilight" (1957).

Awards

"Early Summer" did not win any prominent awards, yet it remains a classic of Japanese cinema and is widely praised for its realism and emotional depth.

Quotes

• “Let’s not talk about money. All that matters is being together” - Noriko
• “The more you have, the more you have to worry about.” - Koichi

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s music was composed by Senji Itō, whose engaging score complimented the nuanced storytelling.