Early Summer

EARLY SUMMER
BAKUSHÛ
Japan
1951
125 Min
Black and White
1.33:1
Japanese
DIR Yasujiro Ozu
PROD Takeshi Yamamoto
DP Yuharu Atsuta
CAST Setsuko Hara, Chishu Ryu, Chikage Awashima, Kuniko Miyake, Ichiro Sagai, Chieko Higashiyama, Haruko Sugimura, Hiroshi Nihonyanagi, Kuniko Igawa, Seiji Miyaguchi, Shuji Sano, Zen Murase, Isao Shirosawa, Kazuyo Ito, Tami Yamamoto
ED Yoshiyasu Hamamura
MUSIC Senji Ito
My Rating : 5/5 (Great Movie)


I am glad to have spent my Sunday morning on this classic by Ozu. I was trying to think of something as delectable as this movie and could find nothing in comparison. This is probably because not only did I watch this movie but also tasted, smelt and touched it. It may sound weird but I could experience this movie with all my senses which is probably the greatest compliment for a director, not that Ozu needs any from me.
I wont get into the nitty-grittys of the plot of this movie but allow my camera to dwell on those quiet meditative moments which Ozu shares with his audience. The shot of a balloon floating up in the sky and the old couple thinking of the child who might be crying for having lost it, clouds scattered in the sky, birds chirping in their cages, characters sitting peacefully and gazing into the expanse thinking of something or the other or simply relaxing and enjoying nature. The shot of empty corridors of a house, a walk on the beach, a quiet smoke, a marriage procession and countless other observations that need no voice overs, dialogues or flashbacks. We know what the characters are thinking, we are enjoying supper with them, we share their joys and griefs; in short, we are part of the story. Ozu knew that the most peaceful yet powerful moments of life are those that are spent in quiet meditations and observations which every person can relate with. It is these moments that he shares with his audience and enraptures them in his world or rather “our” world.
Another observation that I made in this movie is the skill with which Ozu makes use of humour. There are moments in this movie that will make you laugh from the bottom of your heart which is a rare experience; It is a good-natured laughter which isn’t insulting or lewd but simply good wholesome fun. I was also impressed by the deftness with which Ozu makes use of the child actors. These children appear as real as children can be and provide a nice touch of innocent humour.
I will end this review with Setsuko Hara. Her disarming smile even in the face of adversity is probably the greatest inspiration for the audience. It effectively conveys Ozu’s philosophy: We have been happy. We have had a good life. Lets not demand too much from it and enjoy whatever pleasure we can derive from it.