Review of Late Spring (2014) by Daniel K — 06 May 2012
5: Wow, leave it to Ozu. Films don't get much more poignant, meaningful, and insightful. What is perhaps most impressive is that it is the kind of five star masterpiece that sneaks up on you. I had absolutely no notion that this would be a five star picture until the third act or so.
I was simply engrossed in the story and in the world that Ozu has managed to transfer to the screen. I'd have to do some research through past reviews/viewings, but I think it is fairly rare for a masterpiece to sort of sneak up on me like this.
The story is nice and slow - as only Ozu can manage - but packed with significance, which means one has the necessary time to ponder the many issues brought forward. The editing is superb as well, as Ozu often cuts to a new image while keeping the same soundscape, which is also reflected in the new image.
The use of music is ideal. The lead female performance is stupendous. Her ability to smile and cry simultaneously is quite wonderful, as is everything else about her. The western presence is obvious, but is much, much more subtle than in the Japanese New Wave.
It is simple there and pervasive, but one has to consciously recognize it for it to seem obvious. It's easy to forget that Late Spring was released in 1949. Ozu is subtlety itself. I'm beginning to understand the cyclical nature of his seasons pictures, but will have to see the others again to be sure.
He is a master of exploring the human condition. The sets and locations are spectacular; many of the frames could be hung on a wall in a museum. I'm beginning to question whether or not Ozu isn't the true master (as opposed to Kurosawa).
However, they are very different directors and I definitely think there is room for both in the canon. As the film approached it's ending I couldn't help but feel that despite the young woman being in the "late spring" of her life, her father was edging towards his early winter.
Then, of course, Ozu ends with waving washing endlessly upon a beach. Need I say more. A true master of both the cinema and life at work.
This review of Late Spring (2014) was written by Daniel K on 06 May 2012.
Late Spring has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
