About Equinox Flower (1958)

"Equinox Flower" is a classic 1958 Japanese film directed by Yasujirō Ozu. The movie follows the story of two teenage women who pact not to comply with their parents' traditional views on arranged marriages. The plot takes a fascinating turn when one of the women independently chooses her husband, sparking tension within her family when she acts without her father's consent.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Yasujirō Ozu and was his first color film. The screenplay was written by Yasujirō Ozu and Kōgo Noda, and it was produced by Shizuo Yamanouchi. The production was handled by Shochiku.

Actors

• Shin Saburi as Wataru Hirayama - the father who struggles to come to terms with his daughter's independent decision-making.
• Kinuyo Tanaka as Kiyoko Hirayama - the mother who finds herself in the middle of her husband and daughter's conflict.
• Ineko Arima as Setsuko Hirayama - the daughter who breaks the pact and chooses her own husband.
• Keiji Sada as Masahiko Taniguchi - the man chosen by Setsuko as her husband, who becomes a source of conflict.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Equinox Flower" is Yasujirō Ozu's first color film.
• The film's title refers to a type of red spider lily, which traditionally symbolizes abandonment or lost memories in Japan.
• Ozu and co-writer Kōgo Noda reportedly spent over a year in a boarding house writing the script for "Equinox Flower."

Music, Soundtrack

• Kojun Saitō is credited for the beautiful soundtrack that complemented the unique storyline and poignant sequences.
• Notable tracks include the opening theme, which sets the tone for the movie, and the recurring "Setsuko's Theme".

Awards

The film received the Mainichi Film Award for Best Art Direction by Tatsuo Hamada in the year of its release.

Quotes

• "[On arranged marriage] They are not machines. They have a right to decide whom they marry." - Wataru Hirayama
• "[To her father] I have the right to choose my own life." - Setsuko Hirayama