An Autumn Afternoon

Ozu”s last film was also his final masterpiece, a tender but heart-breaking tale of a man who decides, in his own dignified way, to steer clear from modern society and life”s ever-changing currents. A widower (regular Ozu actor Chishu Ryu) is living comfortably under the same roof with his adult daughter, but has to come to terms with the fact that she is getting married and will leave the house. Ozu”s elegantly composed, tender-sad swan song portrays two people who are prepared to sacrifice their happiness for each other.

In subtle ways Ozu shows how vulnerable and yet oppressive family ties can be. Much remains unsaid within doors, and the film”s characters have to find solace in bars, where they can loosen up and drink away their sorrow. The final scene in subtle water-colour tones almost appears to have been shot through a filter of tears.