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"The first masterpiece of Yasujirô Ozu's iconic late period … deeply poignant and ultimately mysterious." – AV Club
Satisfied with her unmarried status, Noriko devotes her days to caring for her widowed father, Shukichi (Chishu Ryu). Concerned that his daughter is sacrificing her own life in order to be with him, Shukichi attempts to convince her that he is planning to remarry. Simmering with jealousy and hounded by an aunt intent on setting her up with a husband, Noriko's unwillingness to change her existing situation is overridden by her desire to please those around her.
Setsuko Hara's first of many iconic collaborations with Yasujirô Ozu, Late Spring explores familial bonds and the tyranny of social convention. Ozu's characteristic subtlety finds its greatest outlet in Hara's facial expressions; her patient smile greeting joy and despondency alike.
"Ozu reveals the hidden depths of ordinary life with a quiet astonishment and observes his characters with an exacting subtlety of expression." – The New Yorker
