About Late Autumn

"Late Autumn" is a poignant drama directed by Yasujirō Ozu and released in 1960. It's a beautiful reflection on familial dynamics, societal constraints, and the passage of time. The film follows the life of a widowed mother, Akiko, and her daughter, Ayako, as they navigate through the intricacies and tensions that surround their relationship, societal expectations, and the concept of marriage.

Making / Production

This film is noted for its excellently crafted screenplay and beautifully framed cinematography typical of Ozu's style. The director carefully lets the story unfold, using static shots and minimal movement to allow the audience to fully engage with the characters' feelings and emotions.

Actors

• Setusko Hara as Akiko – Widowed mother who brilliantly captured the complexity of her character, demonstrating strength, grace, and vulnerability with her balanced acting.
• Yoko Tsukasa as Ayako – The young daughter trying to navigate between her own desires and societal pressure. Yoko's performance was subtle yet moving, perfectly capturing the conflict within Ayako.
• Mariko Okada as Yuriko – Friend and confidante, giving a significant performance as the film's voice of societal commentary.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Late Autumn" is often compared and contrasted to Ozu's classic "Late Spring," as both deal with similar themes but with differing perspectives.
• The film belongs to the Shomin-geki genre, or drama about ordinary people, which was a central theme of Ozu's filmography.

Quotes

• "Women cannot survive on music alone..." – Yuriko
• "A woman's life isn't as easy as it looks." – Akiko

Music and Soundtrack

The music and soundtrack of Late Autumn, composed by Kojun Saitô, weave a melancholic tapestry that mirrors the emotional landscape of the film. It adds a subtle texture to the narrative, enhancing the movie's overall atmosphere and emotional resonance.

• Melancholy Theme - portrays the underlying sadness and captures the somber mood of the movie.
• Light-hearted Piece - used in lighter, more jovial moments to balance out the more dramatic scenes.