Yasujiro Ozu was nearing the end of his nearly 35 year career, and a mostly great career it was too, when he did 1960's 'Late Autumn'. In fact he only did two films after. Those being 1961's 'The End of Summer' and his swansong 1962's 'An Autumn Afternoon' (one of the best swansongs in my opinion from any director), before his untimely death the following year aged just 60. His best films were amazing, and even when he was not at his peak he fared better than most.
'Late Autumn' is not one of Ozu's best films in my view and just slightly misses the extra something that his best work has. Do much prefer 'An Autumn Afternoon', 'Late Spring' and especially 'Tokyo Story', three of his justifiably acclaimed films. When saying that 'Late Autumn' is not one of his best, that is not meaning in any way that it is not a good film. Actually thought that it was still very good, with plenty of what makes his work so impressive evident.
Story-wise, 'Late Autumn' is very slight and somewhat over-familiar territory. It is not much different to what has been seen before with Ozu, being the third film of his to have the arranged marriage theme done a little more insightfully the previous times, and the early scenes drag a bit.
Also thought that some of the male roles were not developed enough and that they were not particularly interesting, outside of being well acted.
There is so much to love about 'Late Autumn' though. The female roles are far more interesting and quite meaty, again feeling real and not stock stereotypes and in situations that are relatable in any day and age. The mother and daughter relationship is very touchingly handled. Although the story is slight and not always perfect in pacing, it is also still very charming and has emotional impact and a sincere humanity. All the acting is great, especially from Setsuko Hara and Yoko Tsucksa bringing a lot of determined heart to their parts. Chishu Ryu excels in a role he always played beautifully.
Have no issues with the script either, which is very thoughtful, gently amusing, sly and heartfelt. Or with the sensitive direction from Ozu, which is also very clever visually. The style is very unmistakably him, complete with some clever transitions. Also nearly forgot to mention that 'Late Autumn' is quite interesting structurally, structured as blocks of linked scenes. The music matches the gentle and sometimes sly mood of the film.
Overall, very good. 8/10
'Late Autumn' is not one of Ozu's best films in my view and just slightly misses the extra something that his best work has. Do much prefer 'An Autumn Afternoon', 'Late Spring' and especially 'Tokyo Story', three of his justifiably acclaimed films. When saying that 'Late Autumn' is not one of his best, that is not meaning in any way that it is not a good film. Actually thought that it was still very good, with plenty of what makes his work so impressive evident.
Story-wise, 'Late Autumn' is very slight and somewhat over-familiar territory. It is not much different to what has been seen before with Ozu, being the third film of his to have the arranged marriage theme done a little more insightfully the previous times, and the early scenes drag a bit.
Also thought that some of the male roles were not developed enough and that they were not particularly interesting, outside of being well acted.
There is so much to love about 'Late Autumn' though. The female roles are far more interesting and quite meaty, again feeling real and not stock stereotypes and in situations that are relatable in any day and age. The mother and daughter relationship is very touchingly handled. Although the story is slight and not always perfect in pacing, it is also still very charming and has emotional impact and a sincere humanity. All the acting is great, especially from Setsuko Hara and Yoko Tsucksa bringing a lot of determined heart to their parts. Chishu Ryu excels in a role he always played beautifully.
Have no issues with the script either, which is very thoughtful, gently amusing, sly and heartfelt. Or with the sensitive direction from Ozu, which is also very clever visually. The style is very unmistakably him, complete with some clever transitions. Also nearly forgot to mention that 'Late Autumn' is quite interesting structurally, structured as blocks of linked scenes. The music matches the gentle and sometimes sly mood of the film.
Overall, very good. 8/10