An Autumn Afternoon

Overview of the movie

An Autumn Afternoon (1962) is a classic Japanese drama directed by Yasujirō Ozu. It follows the story of Shuhei Hirayama, an elderly widower, who is struggling to accept his daughters impending marriage. As he grapples with this reality, we are taken on a poignant journey of self-discovery and reflection.

But what is An Autumn Afternoon really about? In short, it is a poignant exploration of family, loyalty, and the inevitable passage of time. Ozus subtle, yet emotionally powerful direction provides a nuanced look at the bittersweet nature of life. As Shuhei comes to terms with his daughters decision, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of life, and the importance of cherishing the present.

Background on the director

Hiroshi Shimizu was the director of the classic 1962 film, An Autumn Afternoon.

You may be wondering, who was this man?

Well, Shimizu was one of the most prolific directors in the history of Japanese cinema. He worked extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, directing around 60 films in his lifetime. He was also a pioneer of Japanese realism, helping to popularize the genre in the 1930s.

In addition to An Autumn Afternoon, some of Shimizus most well-known films include Mr. Thank You (1936), Morning for the Osone Family (1935), and The Masseurs and a Woman (1938). He was also the first Japanese director to be invited to the Cannes Film Festival, where his film, Mother (1952), was screened.

Storyline

An Autumn Afternoon is a film that follows the life of Shuhei Horikawa, an aging widower living in post-WWII Japan. He struggles with the idea of his daughter, Michiko, getting married and leaving him to live on his own. As he contemplates his life, Shuhei reflects on the past and how much things have changed. He muses on how marriage and family were once so important, but now they seem to be fading away. The film is a tender and reflective look at the struggles of growing older, and the bittersweet feeling of letting go.

Characters

One of the most important aspects of An Autumn Afternoon is its characters. The protagonist, Shuichi Hirayama, is a widower who is struggling to accept his daughters impending marriage. His performance is truly captivating, as he conveys the emotional turmoil of a father in transition.

The daughter, Michiko, is a prime example of the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. She is determined to make her own choices, but is ultimately resigned to her fate.

The film is also full of side characters, each with their own story. We meet Shuichis old friend, the newlywed couple, and the young woman who is forced to confront the realities of her life. Each of these characters is essential to the storys emotional arc, and the film would not be the same without them.

Setting

The setting of An Autumn Afternoon is a small fishing village in Japan, located in the late 1950s. It is a place of beauty and tranquility, where the locals are living in harmony with nature and their environment.

But, why did director Yasujirō Ozu choose this particular setting? Perhaps it was the perfect balance between modernity and tradition, the subtle but profound differences between the old and the new – all of which are captured brilliantly by Ozus camera. Or, perhaps, it was simply the perfect backdrop to capture the emotions and struggles of our main character, Shuhei.

Cinematography

Have you ever wondered what makes a classic film stand out from the rest? In the case of An Autumn Afternoon (1962), its the cinematographic techniques used by director Yasujirō Ozu. He utilizes a static camera, allowing us to observe the characters and their interactions in a very detailed way. Ozu also makes use of low-angle shots, which lend the characters an air of grandeur, as if they are larger than life. Finally, he often shoots through windows and doorways, creating an atmosphere of confinement and intimacy. All these techniques come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Color and composition

The colors and composition of ‘An Autumn Afternoon’ are truly remarkable. How does one capture the beauty of an autumn afternoon? Director Yasujirō Ozu does so masterfully, using warm colors and a unique composition to bring the story to life. His use of deep oranges and subtle yellows creates a feeling of nostalgia, while his careful framing of each shot adds a sense of depth and emotion. Ozus artistry is particularly evident in the outdoor scenes, where the colors and composition of the natural world come alive on the screen. Truly, its a sight to behold.

Camera angles

Camera angles can play a powerful role in conveying emotion and setting the mood of a scene. In the classic Japanese film, An Autumn Afternoon, director Yasujirō Ozu uses camera angles to great effect. Ozu often frames his shots with low camera angles, giving the viewer a sense of intimacy with the characters and their environment. He also utilizes wide angle shots to provide a sense of grandeur and scale. By using a combination of these techniques, Ozu is able to create a unique cinematic language that captures the beauty and emotion of the films story.

Critical Reception

Have you ever heard of the acclaimed 1962 Japanese drama An Autumn Afternoon? It has been showered with awards and accolades since its release. It was the recipient of the prestigious Mainichi Film Award for Best Film, as well as the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Film. It was even nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. But thats not all – it was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1998. Hows that for a film?

Critic reviews

Critics have long acclaimed Yasujiro Ozus drama An Autumn Afternoon (1962) as a masterpiece. But what did they have to say about it? In the words of one critic: An Autumn Afternoon is a deceptively simple film, but one that manages to evoke a deep emotional response. Another had this to say: An Autumn Afternoon is a tender, beautifully observed meditation on lifes passing. And have you heard what the New York Times had to say? They declared the movie a gentle, beautiful and deeply affecting film. Its no wonder that this classic of world cinema has been so highly praised.

Audience reviews

Audience reviews of An Autumn Afternoon have been overwhelmingly positive. But what do they have to say?

Its an incredibly beautiful and timeless film, one reviewer said. Its an ode to Japanese values and traditions, as well as the beauty of autumn.

The cinematography is stunning, said another. The scenes of the Japanese countryside are breathtaking.

The performances are also very strong, added a third. The characters are so real and likable that you cant help but sympathize with them.

This is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, concluded a fourth. Its a classic that everyone should see at least once.

Summary of the movie

An Autumn Afternoon is a 1962 Japanese film directed by Yasujiro Ozu. The story follows Shuhei Hirayama, an aging widower who lives with his two grown daughters. As his daughters approach marriageable age, Shuhei is faced with the difficult decision of whether he should help them find suitable husbands or keep them close in his protective embrace. The film explores the generational divide between Shuhei and his daughters, and the heartwarming bond between them amid the challenges of modern society. What is the price of freedom?, Shuhei wonders, as he grapples with the tension between his desire to protect his daughters and their desire for independence.

Reflection on the movies lasting influence

An Autumn Afternoon is a timeless masterpiece that has been inspiring audiences for over fifty years. Its a movie that still resonates today, leaving viewers with a deep sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times. Its a reflection on life and death, of love and loss, and of the bittersweetness of life. The films lasting influence is evident in its continued presence in the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Its message of treasuring the present, cherishing relationships, and cherishing life itself has been passed down through generations. Its a reminder that even in the face of lifes struggles, we can always appreciate the beauty of the moment.