As Japanese, and because I do not see any other Japanese commenting here, I thought I add my 3 cents. I like Late spring and Tokyo story.. among about 6 - 7 movies of his I watched. What I like is the subtlety of psychology dealing with inevitable events - pointing my inclination to Zen but also tied to Japanese culture of "Wa" - harmony, and perhaps strong resilience under difficulties. As in ink painting, the empty space (unspoken moment/ silence) has a lot to carry the depth of meaning each viwer may wish to investigate and possibly enlightened. OK I may have been too much to say so... but, why not? (I hated to watch many movies but his seems deep and connect to my heart (I am 71 yrs od - may be that is what it says. RIght, I was attracted to explore foreign countries -- I have lived in the US for more than half of my life. But I must say, I am finding depth of Japanese mind/heart as if to relive those moment. Thank you, Kio
This is a late reply, but I want to thank you for offering a Japanese perspective on the films of Ozu. What you have written about his use of inevitable events being tied to the concept of harmony (unfortunately not a concept widely shared by many Americans), will have me reconsidering Ozu's work. I also find "Tokyo Story" and "Late Spring" to be my favorites, although at this point I am still seeking out many of his titles and only have seen what is available on HBO Max.
My 3 reasons to prefer Floating Weeds to the rest of Ozu's work: More colorful characters than usual in his films, beautiful photography and Machiko Kyo.
I know this list is personal, but considering your points of interest in the other films, An Autumn Afternoon should have made your top 10. Anyway, love Ozu, nice list.
Early Summer is David Bordwell's favorite film. Bordwell is known for his book on Ozu from a more formalist and historical perspective. Highly recommended, the film and the book! For a long time Tokyo Story was my favorite but in the last couple years, I found Late Spring to be the most moving and my favorite.
I would put Ohayo and Floating Weeds in the top 10. I would also put An Inn in Tokyo in the top 5. It seems to me like a neorealist Italian movie made in Japan. I have a special place in my cine-heart for Ozu in color. That is the reason I love Ohayo and Floating Weeds so much. They're among the most beautiful color movies ever.
I'm thrilled that you included "What Did the Lady Forget?" -- I rewatched it only a week ago and I like it more than ever, especially the ending, which is so charming, and masterfully done. The long scene at the geisha house is wonderful, but so too is the entire film, which feels so light and effortless, yet has such artistry -- really beautiful. And the aunt, though ultimately vulnerable and sympathetic, is a hilariously mean villain, and a perfect foil for the lively niece. I can still hear the aunt's strict voice barking throughout the house: "Setsuko! Setsuko! Setsuko!"
Late Spring is my favourite, followed closely by Tokyo Story but there is a lot here I have not seen. Look forward to more of these Top 15s.. or Top 10s probably for most directors.
An interesting list. I prefer Noriko-trilogy (Late Spring, Early Summer and Tokyo Story), and just watched all three this june. But as an Ozu-fan I admit that I must start watching those earlier films, which you value quite high. So far I've seen all Ozu-films starting from Late Spring, and a few of them several times, but I've seen none of those he made before 1949.
Very nice list, I hope you'll make more of these kinds of director top lists because it's always interesting for me to see how other people would rank a director's filmography. I really like Ozu; his style is beautiful and in his films everything seems to be in some sort of perfect harmony, but I can't deny that his plots and themes do get very repetitive. I've seen 22 Ozu films, here's my top 15: 1) An Autumn Afternoon (1962) 2) Tokyo Story (1953) 3) Late Spring (1949) 4) The Only Son (1936) 5) The End of Summer (1961) 6) Tokyo Twilight (1957) 7) Early Summer (1951) 8) Good Morning (1959) 9) Floating Weeds (1959) 10) That Night's Wife (1930) 11) I Was Born, But... (1932) 12) There Was a Father (1942) 13) A Story of Floating Weeds (1934) 14) Late Autumn (1960) 15) Equinox Flower (1958)
Thanks for your thoughts on Ozu. Nice list you've got there. It's always interesting seeing Top lists for him because they tend to be very different. There are really only two Ozu films that almost always show up near the top of everyone's list: Tokyo Story and Late Spring. My intention for this playlist is to eventually cover every Japanese director I'm familiar with (along with some other stuff), so there will be dozens of future installments.
Love Ozu. My favourite director. My favourite is late spring. A masterpiece. No autumn afternoon?? How many directors have over half a dozen masterpieces in their filmography?
I just started watching Ozu from “Equinox Flower” and “An Autumn Afternoon” and didn’t enjoy them at all and I was a little worried that I’m missing something but I see that you didn’t include those films even in the best 15 so I’m ok now 😉 My next step will be “Tokyo Story”.
From Late Spring all the Ozu films are basically the same drama told from different points of view. My favorite of this period are Higanbana, Sanma no Aji and, of course, the great Tokyo Story. But his early filmography is more interesting, and pretty different
Oddly enough, considering all the japanese movies I have watched, Ozu is the only well known Japanese director that I've never watched a film of. I've definitely wanted to and came close a few times, but have just never got around to it. I'll get to it eventually though, I know Tokyo Story is highly regarded by everyone so I've always had that at the top of the Ozu watchlist, but this list has certainly gave me a good idea of what other ones to potentially check out. Good stuff.
I wasn't aware of Ozu's filmography or his fame but I did watch Tokyo Story a long time ago and really liked it. I liked its gentleness and subtlety. I really must check out all those other Ozu movies on your list as I do like movies that focus on characters, interesting dynamics between characters. I think I have heard of Tokyo Chorus but I didn't get a chance to watch it. Those on the list with children as lead characters sound very good -- some of my favourite movies of all time involve children as the central characters.
Thanks for your list and review! From what I've seen so far, I would rank them: 1. Late Spring 2. Tokyo Story 3. I Was Born, But ... 4. Tokyo Chorus 5. Dragnet Girl 6. Walk Cheerfully 7. That Night's Wife 8. Student Romance: Days of Youth 9. The Lady and the Beard 10. Woman of Tokyo Going to watch Passing Fancy next!
Hi Asian Movie Enthusiast, how can view more Asian movies? I stumbled upon Setsuko Hara on social media. I’ve watched a couple of her movies on RUclips. Late Spring and Tokyo Story. I thought they were great movies! I’m a 50 yr old ham-and-egger with Fubotv only. I like Asian movies. I’ll need English subtitles. Where is the best place for me to get access to these great movies?
Check out the following video first: ruclips.net/video/ARVoNhFl5As/видео.html I made that video a few years ago, but it should still be useful in finding stuff. I live in the United States though, so I'm not sure how many of those services are available internationally. There is also a website called FilmStruck that has some of Setsuko Hara's films. It used to be easy to find Japanese classic films, but it seems to be getting a bit harder, unfortunately.
I enjoyed Early Spring. The mood in that one was rather serious, with the focus being on strained relationships and work-life balance. There were a few moments that were really funny though. I've seen a lot of Ozu films. There are probably some that I haven't seen, but none immediately come to mind.
As Japanese, and because I do not see any other Japanese commenting here, I thought I add my 3 cents. I like Late spring and Tokyo story.. among about 6 - 7 movies of his I watched. What I like is the subtlety of psychology dealing with inevitable events - pointing my inclination to Zen but also tied to Japanese culture of "Wa" - harmony, and perhaps strong resilience under difficulties. As in ink painting, the empty space (unspoken moment/ silence) has a lot to carry the depth of meaning each viwer may wish to investigate and possibly enlightened. OK I may have been too much to say so... but, why not? (I hated to watch many movies but his seems deep and connect to my heart (I am 71 yrs od - may be that is what it says. RIght, I was attracted to explore foreign countries -- I have lived in the US for more than half of my life. But I must say, I am finding depth of Japanese mind/heart as if to relive those moment. Thank you, Kio
Thank you very much for your insight! That's an interesting interpretation of Ozu. There's definitely substance behind his style choices.
This is a late reply, but I want to thank you for offering a Japanese perspective on the films of Ozu. What you have written about his use of inevitable events being tied to the concept of harmony (unfortunately not a concept widely shared by many Americans), will have me reconsidering Ozu's work.
I also find "Tokyo Story" and "Late Spring" to be my favorites, although at this point I am still seeking out many of his titles and only have seen what is available on HBO Max.
My 3 reasons to prefer Floating Weeds to the rest of Ozu's work: More colorful characters than usual in his films, beautiful photography and Machiko Kyo.
Good reasons!
Don't forget Ayako Wakao
I know this list is personal, but considering your points of interest in the other films, An Autumn Afternoon should have made your top 10. Anyway, love Ozu, nice list.
Early Summer often gets glossed over compared to the other two in the trilogy, so it’s nice to see it score so highly here
I love that movie.
I like Early Summer more than Late Spring.
Early Summer is David Bordwell's favorite film. Bordwell is known for his book on Ozu from a more formalist and historical perspective. Highly recommended, the film and the book!
For a long time Tokyo Story was my favorite but in the last couple years, I found Late Spring to be the most moving and my favorite.
I would put Ohayo and Floating Weeds in the top 10. I would also put An Inn in Tokyo in the top 5. It seems to me like a neorealist Italian movie made in Japan. I have a special place in my cine-heart for Ozu in color. That is the reason I love Ohayo and Floating Weeds so much. They're among the most beautiful color movies ever.
I feel like re-watching some of Ozu's stuff.
I'm thrilled that you included "What Did the Lady Forget?" -- I rewatched it only a week ago and I like it more than ever, especially the ending, which is so charming, and masterfully done. The long scene at the geisha house is wonderful, but so too is the entire film, which feels so light and effortless, yet has such artistry -- really beautiful. And the aunt, though ultimately vulnerable and sympathetic, is a hilariously mean villain, and a perfect foil for the lively niece. I can still hear the aunt's strict voice barking throughout the house: "Setsuko! Setsuko! Setsuko!"
Such a fantastic movie!
Late Spring is my favourite, followed closely by Tokyo Story but there is a lot here I have not seen. Look forward to more of these Top 15s.. or Top 10s probably for most directors.
Late Spring does seem to be a favorite amongst Ozu fans. I am definitely planning a bunch more of these Top 10 lists this year.
An interesting list. I prefer Noriko-trilogy (Late Spring, Early Summer and Tokyo Story), and just watched all three this june. But as an Ozu-fan I admit that I must start watching those earlier films, which you value quite high. So far I've seen all Ozu-films starting from Late Spring, and a few of them several times, but I've seen none of those he made before 1949.
Thanks! Yeah, some of his early stuff is worth watching.
Ozu is one of the best of all time. For me its.. 1. Late Spring 2. Tokyo Story 3. Tokyo Twilight
Ozu is indeed awesome.
Very nice list, I hope you'll make more of these kinds of director top lists because it's always interesting for me to see how other people would rank a director's filmography.
I really like Ozu; his style is beautiful and in his films everything seems to be in some sort of perfect harmony, but I can't deny that his plots and themes do get very repetitive.
I've seen 22 Ozu films, here's my top 15:
1) An Autumn Afternoon (1962)
2) Tokyo Story (1953)
3) Late Spring (1949)
4) The Only Son (1936)
5) The End of Summer (1961)
6) Tokyo Twilight (1957)
7) Early Summer (1951)
8) Good Morning (1959)
9) Floating Weeds (1959)
10) That Night's Wife (1930)
11) I Was Born, But... (1932)
12) There Was a Father (1942)
13) A Story of Floating Weeds (1934)
14) Late Autumn (1960)
15) Equinox Flower (1958)
Thanks for your thoughts on Ozu. Nice list you've got there. It's always interesting seeing Top lists for him because they tend to be very different. There are really only two Ozu films that almost always show up near the top of everyone's list: Tokyo Story and Late Spring.
My intention for this playlist is to eventually cover every Japanese director I'm familiar with (along with some other stuff), so there will be dozens of future installments.
Love Ozu. My favourite director. My favourite is late spring. A masterpiece. No autumn afternoon?? How many directors have over half a dozen masterpieces in their filmography?
He's great!
Kubrick has 7 quite different masterpieces and he didn't make a lot of movies. The most versatile director imo.
half a dozen? every Ozu movie is a masterpiece!
Satyajit Ray
@@lumpielump6639 you are right it's more than 6.
Well said.
Late Spring deserves better than #6. Top 3 for sure. I also think There Was A Father should be on the list.
I think most people would agree with you on that one.
Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice is my personal favorite.
Good choice!
I just started watching Ozu from “Equinox Flower” and “An Autumn Afternoon” and didn’t enjoy them at all and I was a little worried that I’m missing something but I see that you didn’t include those films even in the best 15 so I’m ok now 😉 My next step will be “Tokyo Story”.
Tokyo Story is a great choice.
From Late Spring all the Ozu films are basically the same drama told from different points of view. My favorite of this period are Higanbana, Sanma no Aji and, of course, the great Tokyo Story.
But his early filmography is more interesting, and pretty different
I do agree that his earlier filmography had more diversity.
Oddly enough, considering all the japanese movies I have watched, Ozu is the only well known Japanese director that I've never watched a film of. I've definitely wanted to and came close a few times, but have just never got around to it. I'll get to it eventually though, I know Tokyo Story is highly regarded by everyone so I've always had that at the top of the Ozu watchlist, but this list has certainly gave me a good idea of what other ones to potentially check out. Good stuff.
Cool. I'm hoping that these Top lists will provide a good start for recommendations.
Spot on. Thanks for your helpful insight. Two other favorites are "The Only Son" and "Good Morning".
Good ones!
I wasn't aware of Ozu's filmography or his fame but I did watch Tokyo Story a long time ago and really liked it. I liked its gentleness and subtlety. I really must check out all those other Ozu movies on your list as I do like movies that focus on characters, interesting dynamics between characters. I think I have heard of Tokyo Chorus but I didn't get a chance to watch it. Those on the list with children as lead characters sound very good -- some of my favourite movies of all time involve children as the central characters.
Great. Hopefully you enjoy exploring his filmography.
Thanks for your list and review!
From what I've seen so far, I would rank them:
1. Late Spring
2. Tokyo Story
3. I Was Born, But ...
4. Tokyo Chorus
5. Dragnet Girl
6. Walk Cheerfully
7. That Night's Wife
8. Student Romance: Days of Youth
9. The Lady and the Beard
10. Woman of Tokyo
Going to watch Passing Fancy next!
Nice list!
Thanks, yours too! Wish I could put Dragnet Girl #3. The last 20+ minutes are sublime.
Nothing wrong with having a particular choice of genre. 😆
Hi Asian Movie Enthusiast, how can view more Asian movies? I stumbled upon Setsuko Hara on social media. I’ve watched a couple of her movies on RUclips. Late Spring and Tokyo Story. I thought they were great movies! I’m a 50 yr old ham-and-egger with Fubotv only. I like Asian movies. I’ll need English subtitles. Where is the best place for me to get access to these great movies?
Check out the following video first: ruclips.net/video/ARVoNhFl5As/видео.html
I made that video a few years ago, but it should still be useful in finding stuff. I live in the United States though, so I'm not sure how many of those services are available internationally. There is also a website called FilmStruck that has some of Setsuko Hara's films.
It used to be easy to find Japanese classic films, but it seems to be getting a bit harder, unfortunately.
Thanks.
see the movies..
Did you not watch any Bengali movie?
What are your thoughts on Early Spring and what Ozu films haven't you seen?
I enjoyed Early Spring. The mood in that one was rather serious, with the focus being on strained relationships and work-life balance. There were a few moments that were really funny though.
I've seen a lot of Ozu films. There are probably some that I haven't seen, but none immediately come to mind.
Late Spring is my fav. I couldn't get into Tokyo Story
That's understandable. :)