Starring Setsuko Hara, Yoko Tsukasa, Mariko Okada, Keiji Sada, Shin Saburi, Miyuki Kuwano

(5-Okay Film)

Bright. Vibrant. Dull.

One of lauded Japanese director Ozu’s color films, Late Autumn chronicles three male friends still carrying a torch for their college crush, Akiko (Hara), now widowed. Unable to pursue a relationship with her, they turn their attention to helping her beautiful daughter find a husband. It’s a lovely story with gorgeous imagery full of warm, loving characters. To this point, however, of what I’ve seen, I haven’t responded to any of Ozu’s films. I haven’t swayed for a second in either direction away from cold neutral. His style keeps me at a distance, and eventually makes for dull proceedings. I’ll continue watching some of his essentials, and maybe something will click.

-Walter Tyrone Howard-

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