I like Ozu
By Shay • Mar 7th, 2006 • Category: Japan, Opinion, moviesAfter many years of enthusiam towards Japanese cinema, I’ve finally arrived at a conclusion. I have decided who my favorite Japanese filmmaker is. Now, I’ve pondered this ultimate opinion for quite some time. My most revered Japanese filmmaker is the great, Yasujiro Ozu!
I’ve been a fan of Ozu’s work since I saw his most well-known work, Tokyo Story. That film surely put him on my A-list of directors. I just recently saw the film that made my opinion about him even stronger.
A few weeks ago, I was able to get my hands on Ozu’s 1951 film, Early Summer. I couldn’t like this movie more. The story of a family deals with a daughter whom is looking to get married. The plot is quite simple, but the character complexity is anything but that. It’s a look into a post-war, Japanese family. Not only is the story on a personal level with the characters, but it is a look at Japanese society at that time. This is a reaccurring theme in most of Ozu’s works.
I really enjoy Ozu’s standards. He has sort of a stock actor in Chishu Ryu. Ryu appears is almost every Ozu film and is usually the main character. Actress Setsuko Hara stars in Early Summer as well. She too is in many Ozu films. The director’s cinematographic style is great too. Ozu always shoots at ground level. Each shot is looking up at the actors. This style is unique and very cool. Also, like most Japanese directors of the time, Ozu uses jump cuts. While this is frowned upon for Western directors, Ozu makes great use of zooming in and out with jump cuts. I even like his consistant use of a burlap backdrop during the opening credits.
It is unfortunate that Ozu passed away at the age of 63, in 1963. If he’d had lived on, we can only imagine what more he could have given us. Homages work well towards Ozu though. Among my favorite is the 2003 movie, Cafe Lumiere which is directed by Hsiao-Hsien Hou and stars Yo Hitoto and Tadanobu Asano.
YAY FOR YASUJIRO OZU AND HIS LEGACY!
Shay is hanging out with a soccer-playing buffalo.
Email this author | All posts by Shay
I’ve been wanting to see Cafe Lumiere. Still haven’t got around to it.
Nice new theme.
Shay, you’re always changing up the site! It looks good btw. I really like the “Recent Posts, Last Comments, Site News” thing that moves down the page. How’d you do that?
I’m really glad to know you finally fond your best favorite director. And how artistic your site is! Have fun Japanese cinema!
I dig the new theme. :)
Brent: Yeah, you should see Cafe Lumiere. But liking it is rather subjective. You may like it, you may not. I liked it though. Thanks for the compliments on the site too.
5thape: Thanks as well for the comments and all. The bottom section is just a table html code (shhh). If you want to know more, just let me know.
Teruyo: Thank you for your support. I shall have fun indeed. I appreciate your comment very much. ;)
Mike: I’m happy you like it. I had the idea and I just had to roll with it. It’s good to hear from you too since hopefully I’ll see you soon.
We had a Ozu film festival here in Copenhagen, but unfortunately I was unable to attend… Sounds like I was really missing out. My current favourite Japanese director has to be Akira Kurosawa though. A bit of a no-brainer, i know, but after watching Shichin no samurai again, followed by Ran, I dont have much of a choice…
I’d love to attend an Ozu film festival! Yes, Akira Kurosawa is great too. He is my second favorite Japanese director. Actually, he was my favorite until I watched Ozu. Shichin no Samurai is obviously one of my favorites as is Ran. That is a good double-feature.
Akira Model
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read.