An Autumn Afternoon

Yasujiro Ozu's final film, 1962's An Autumn Afternoon offers a gorgeous summary of the elusive filmmaker's thematic concerns regarding the dynamics of family life, particularly the various ways in which different generations view their responsibilities toward one another and themselves. The central character, Shuhei Hirayama (Chishu Ryu), is a 60-ish business executive and widower who relies on his 24-year-old daughter, Michiko (Shima Iwashita), to run the household. Slowly, however, Shuhei begins to worry about Michiko's devotion to him and his son rather than getting married and raising a family of her own. Watching his young secretaries leave to start a new wedded life, Shuhei gradually comes to terms with wanting to see Michiko fulfilled and happy, and his thoughts about Michiko wind up being a catalyst for turning a page in the closing chapters of his own life, one that spanned both military service during World War II and the transition to a post-war, largely Westernized Japan. The Zen serenity, humor, and melancholy closely associated with Ozu's work are all evident here in this bittersweet tale about playing with the cards one is dealt in life…without self-deception. Boasting a fine transfer, this Criterion Collection edition also features a handful of DVD extras, including audio commentary by film scholar David Bordwell (author of Ozu and the Poetics of Cinema), excerpts from a French television special about Ozu, and a booklet featuring new essays by film critic Geoff Andrew and Japanese film expert Donald Richie. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)[Blu-ray Review—Feb. 10, 2015—Criterion, 113 min., in Japanese w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1962's An Autumn Afternoon is presented with a nice transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by film scholar David Bordwell (Ozu and the Poetics of Cinema), excerpts from the “Yasujiro Ozu and The Taste of Sake” 1978 episode from the French TV program Ciné regards (15 min.), trailers, and essays by critic Geoff Andrew and scholar Donald Richie. Bottom line: Ozu's deeply affecting swan song shines on Blu-ray.]