Late Autumn

Synopsis

Late Autumn is a heartwarming Japanese drama film directed by Yasujiro Ozu and released in 1960. The story revolves around the relationship between a widowed mother Akiko (played by Setsuko Hara) and her daughter Ayako as they navigate through societal pressures, love, and traditions. The film beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics, duty, and sacrifice against the backdrop of modern Tokyo. Setsuko Hara delivers a compelling performance, portraying the internal conflicts and emotional depth of her character with grace and subtlety. Late Autumn is a poignant exploration of generational differences and the timeless themes of love and loss that resonate with audiences even today.

Cast

• 

  Setsuko Hara

  Akiko Miwa

• 

  Yōko Tsukasa

  Ayako Miwa

• 

  Mariko Okada

  Yukiko Sasaki

• 

  Keiji Sada

  Shotaru Goto

• 

  Miyuki Kuwano

  Michiko

• 

  Shinichirō Mikami

  Koichi

Reviews

Late Autumn has received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its intimate storytelling, authentic performances, and Ozu's masterful direction. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a perfect score of 100%, with critics lauding it as a timeless and poignant masterpiece. IMDb also rates Late Autumn favorably at 7.9/10, highlighting its emotional depth and universal themes. The New York Times describes the film as 'a poignant and beautifully observed drama that tugs at the heartstrings and offers a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships.' Roger Ebert commends the film for its elegance and emotional resonance, stating that 'Late Autumn is a quietly powerful and deeply moving cinematic gem.' Overall, the film's subtle yet profound exploration of family, love, and loss has left a lasting impact on viewers and critics alike.

See also

La Dolce Vita

Tokyo Story

Cléo from 5 to 7

Umberto D.