Late Autumn

Introduction by director, writer and producer Atsushi Funahashi, who has made a documentary on Ozu for NHK.

Donald Richie on Late Autumn:
"A daughter is reluctant to leave her widowed mother, even though it is time for her to marry. The story could be seen as a ‘remake’ of Late Spring – and though more autumnal, it is just as moving."

Among the earliest champions of the now-immortal director, Richie first introduced Yasujiro Ozu to the world with a retrospective at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1963, followed by a European tour of his films. Richie’s book, Ozu (University of California Press, 1974), illuminated Ozu’s uniquely serene style and went on to bring him international recognition. A thoughtful and charming late work by Ozu, Late Autumn revisits the premise of Late Spring (1949), in which a daughter refuses to marry in order to take care of her single parent, and implements some subtle but powerful changes. Having played the part of the daughter in the earlier film, the beautiful Setsuko Hara returns in Late Autumn as the widowed mother, making a poignant connection that movingly speaks to the passing of time and to children growing up to be parents.

Screening on the 110th anniversary of Ozu’s birth and the 50th anniversary of his passing.

Followed by an Ozu birthday celebration reception.

1960, 128 min., 35mm, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Yasujiro Ozu. With Setsuko Hara, Yoko Tsukasa, Mariko Okada, Keiji Sata, Shin Saburi, Sadako Sawamura, Miyuki Kuwano, Masahiko Shimazu, Chishu Ryu.

Part of Richie’s Fantastic Five: A Tribute to Donald Richie (1924-2013), Part 1


TICKETS

$12/$9 Japan Society members, seniors and students

Buy tickets online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 6 pm, Weekends 11 am – 5 pm.

If you are interested in purchasing group tickets for the event (10 or more), please email [email protected] for information on our discounted rate.

*Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Equinox Flower will not be screened as previously scheduled. Tickets for Equinox Flower will be honored for our screening of Late Autumn and do not require an exchange. Any customer who already purchased tickets for Equinox Flower is entitled to a refund upon request. All inquiries can be directed to our Box Office manager, Julia Moran, at (212) 715-1246. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Special thanks to Janus Films/The Criterion Collection for their reception support and Ippodo Tea USA Inc. for providing tea at the reception.