The End of Summer

About The End of Summer

"The End of Summer" is a Japanese film that was released in 1961. Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, the film is a poignant family drama. It narrates the story of an elderly business owner who, despite his age and deteriorating health, resolutely refuses to relinquish control of his business. His stubbornness creates strain within his family, leading to distressing consequences. The movie effectively captures the generational conflict and transience of life, seasoned with Ozu's signature contemplative style.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Shochiku, a renowned film company in Japan. Yasujirō Ozu, along with his usual collaborator Kōgo Noda, wrote the screenplay. The movie's cinematography is conventionally Ozu’s style - static shots with the camera placed low, making viewers feel as part of the scene.

Actors

• Ganjiro Nakamura as Manbei Kohayagawa - Played the role of a stubborn old businessman impeccably, revealing both the amusing and the tragic aspects of his character.
• Setsuko Hara as Akiko - Gave an exquisite performance as the eldest daughter, Akiko, subtly showcasing her unwavering loyalty towards her father and family.
• Yoko Tsukasa as Noriko - Portrayed the part of Noriko, the younger daughter, capturing her struggle between personal aspirations and familial obligations flawlessly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was one of the last for director Yasujiro Ozu, who passed away two years after its release.
• Despite belonging to the 'late period' of Ozu's career, the film experiments with an unusual blend of comedy and drama, remaining a unique entry in his filmography.

Quotes

• "People everywhere are alike... but they aren't very nice."
• "It's not good to rush things. Everything in its own good time."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s score by Takanobu Saito strikes a pleasant balance, enhancing the film’s mood and character development.