Welcome to our movie roundup article featuring the iconic Japanese filmmaker, Yasujiro Ozu. In this article, we'll take a closer look at his most memorable works, exploring the themes and techniques that have made him a beloved figure in the world of cinema. From his unique filmmaking style to his insightful portrayal of human relationships, we invite you to join us on a journey through the timeless world of Yasujiro Ozu.
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1. Zange no yaiba (1927)
Zange no yaiba" is a poignant drama film released in 1927, directed by Yasujirô Ozu and Torajirô Saitô, along with a screenplay by Kôgo Noda and Ozu himself. The film stars Hikaru Kitchôji, Kunimatsu Ogawa, and Eiko Atsumi.
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2. I Graduated, But... (1929)
I Graduated, But. . " is a 1929 Japanese comedy film directed by Yasujirô Ozu. The film follows the story of a young man fresh out of college who turns down a receptionist job due to feeling it's beneath him.
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3. Days of Youth (1929)
Days of Youth" is a charming 1929 Japanese comedy directed by Yasujirô Ozu. Set in the world of college students, the film revolves around two friends who find themselves caught up in a romantic rivalry as they both try to court the same woman. The film showcases the complexities of heterosexual relationships and explores themes of love, friendship, and youth.
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4. Introduction to Marriage (1930)
In the roaring 1930s, an unexpected twist of fate brings together an eclectic group of young men and women, all with their own unique perspectives on life and love. Comedy director Yasujirô Ozu masterfully weaves an entertaining tale of youth, ambition, and the delicate art of finding one's path in the world. With a stellar cast of fresh-faced actors, including Tatsuo Saitô, Sumiko Kurishima, and Shin'yô Nara, this lost gem shines brightly and reminds us that sometimes, life's greatest adventures lie just around the corner.
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5. The Luck Which Touched the Leg (1930)
The Luck Which Touched the Leg, " originally titled "Ashi ni sawatta kôun, " is a 1930 drama film directed by Yasujirô Ozu and written by Kôgo Noda. The movie features Tatsuo Saitô, Mitsuko Yoshikawa, and Tomio Aoki as the main stars. The film is produced by Shochiku Kinema (Kamata) and is based in Japan.
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6. Young Lady (1930)
Young Lady, " or "Ojôsan, " is a timeless piece of Japanese cinema released in 1930. Directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu, this 2 hour and 15 minute film stands as a testament to the director's unique comedic style. The movie, starring Sumiko Kurishima, Tokihiko Okada, and Tatsuo Saitô, focuses on a young lady navigating the complexities of life.
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7. Walk Cheerfully (1930)
Walk Cheerfully" is a timeless Japanese drama that takes you on a journey through the life of a small-time hood who dreams of going straight for a good girl. Despite his heartfelt intentions, the path to redemption proves to be more challenging than he ever imagined.
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8. The Lady and the Beard (1931)
The Lady and the Beard, " released in 1931, is a captivating comedy-romance film directed by Yasujirô Ozu with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The film stars Tokihiko Okada, Hiroko Kawasaki, and Chôko Iida and is set in Japan, produced by Shochiku. The plot revolves around a bearded kendo champion who faces challenges in his life due to his conservative ways and unusual beard.
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9. Bijin to aishû (1931)
Bijin to aishû" is a 1931 Japanese drama film directed by Yasujirô Ozu. The movie, which runs for 2 hours and 38 minutes, tells a compelling story revolving around two individuals who are captivated by a sculptor's statue.
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10. Tokyo Chorus (1931)
In Tokyo Chorus (1931), director Yasujirô Ozu delivers a heartfelt tale of a married man's plight in a rapidly changing Tokyo. Starring Tokihiko Okada, Emiko Yagumo, and Hideo Sugawara, this 1h30min drama-comedy sees the protagonist, a married Tokyo man, lose his job after defending an older colleague. As he faces unemployment, the story delves into the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations.
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11. Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth? (1932)
In the heart of 1932 Japan, young man Tatsuo Saitô unexpectedly inherits his father's thriving empire, a lucrative business that Saitô decides to manipulate in favor of old college friends. He cleverly schemes to create job opportunities for Ureo Egawa, Kinuyo Tanaka, and others who are struggling to make ends meet.
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12. Spring Comes from the Ladies (1932)
Spring Comes from the Ladies, also known as Haru wa gofujin kara, is a 1932 Japanese drama film directed by Yasujirô Ozu. This lost film, with its runtime of 1h 14min, tells a captivating story that showcases the lives of Japanese women in a bygone era.
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13. Until the Day We Meet Again (1932)
From the depths of nostalgia, a tale of heartache and longing unfolds. In "Until the Day We Meet Again" (妻と子ども一家, Mata au hi made), directed by the revered Yasujirô Ozu, we follow the journey of a young family in post-war Japan as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time.
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14. I Was Born, But... (1932)
I Was Born, But. . " is a timeless 1932 Japanese film that delves into the innocent yet profound minds of two young brothers during the early 20th century. Set in a world where children's imaginations are as vast as the universe, this heartwarming tale unfolds as the children embark on a whimsical adventure that begins with a sparrow egg, a new kid at school, and the realization that their father is not the most important person in his workplace.
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15. Dragnet Girl (1933)
Experience the intensity of "Dragnet Girl, " a 1933 Japanese crime drama directed by Yasujirô Ozu and loosely based on Tadao Ikeda's novel. Follow the life of Kenji, a notorious gangster who's on a quest for redemption and finds an unlikely ally in Michiko, an innocent shop girl. Despite her innocence, Michiko is drawn into the dangerous world of violence and crime, and the film's captivating narrative explores the enigmatic nature of human relationships and moral complexities.
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16. Passing Fancy (1933)
Passing Fancy, also known as Dekigokoro, is a captivating 1933 Japanese drama directed by Yasujirô Ozu and co-written by Tadao Ikeda. The film follows the lives of two Tokyo co-workers, who come across a destitute young lady in search of a place to live. As they try to help her, they are faced with a web of jealousy and intertwined personal relationships that challenge their own lives.
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17. A Story of Floating Weeds (1934)
A Story of Floating Weeds" (1934) is a mesmerizing and gripping silent drama film directed by Yasujirô Ozu. The film follows a kabuki actor's mistress, who, consumed by jealousy, plots a downfall for her lover's ambitious son.
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18. A Mother Should Be Loved (1934)
Haha wo kowazuya, widely known as "A Mother Should Be Loved, " is a poignant Japanese drama released in 1934, directed by the renowned Yasujirô Ozu. The film follows the life of two half-brothers, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their father, as they search for understanding and comfort in their challenging circumstances.
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19. College is a Nice Place (1935)
In "College is a Nice Place" (1935), director Yasujirô Ozu provides a humorous yet poignant glimpse into the lives of young Japanese students navigating the challenges of higher education and job hunting. This heartwarming comedy-drama follows a group of students and recent graduates as they strive to succeed in their academic pursuits and find meaningful employment.
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20. An Inn in Tokyo (1935)
An Inn in Tokyo, directed by Yasujirô Ozu and released in 1935, is a poignant drama chronicling the lives of an impoverished family struggling to get by. Kihachi, an unemployed father, along with his two sons, battles daily to avoid destitution.
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21. The Only Son (1936)
The Only Son, " originally titled "Hitori musuko, " is a captivating Japanese drama directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu. Release in 1987, this 1936 film is the story of a widow's self-sacrificing love for her only son, played by Chôko Iida.
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22. Shukujo wa nani o wasureta ka (1937)
Shukujo wa nani o wasureta ka, " a timeless classic directed by Yasujirô Ozu, follows the journey of an affluent medical professor, Komiya, and his assertive wife, Tokio, as they take in their spirited niece, Setsuko, from Osaka. With its engaging ensemble cast, including the talented Sumiko Kurishima, Tatsuo Saitô, and Michiko Kuwano, this Japanese drama is a captivating exploration of familial relationships and societal norms.
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23. The Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family (1941)
In "The Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family, " the sudden death of the Toda family patriarch leaves his widow with a heavy heart and a mountain of debt. As if this wasn't enough, her four married children refuse to help.
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24. There Was a Father (1942)
There Was a Father, " also known as "Chichi ariki, " is a profound and moving drama set in 1942 Japan. Struggling schoolteacher, Shigeato Furuta, strives to raise his son, Ryohei, all by himself due to a lack of money and resources. Torn between trying to make ends meet and the deep bond between father and son, Furuta's journey showcases the unbreakable, raw emotion that parental love elicits.
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25. Record of a Tenement Gentleman (1947)
In the post-war era of Japan, a young boy named Tashiro befriends a carpenter's son who has been separated from his father. As Tashiro takes the boy to his tenement housing complex on the outskirts of Tokyo, a touching and heartwarming story unfolds. The film, directed by the critically acclaimed Yasujirô Ozu, explores the lives of people living in the tenements, focusing on the gentlemen who reside there.
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26. A Hen in the Wind (1948)
In the heart-wrenching drama "A Hen in the Wind" (1948), directed by Yasujirô Ozu, we find ourselves immersed in the raw reality of a man's return from World War II to face the consequences of his absence. The man, haunted by the horrors of war, discovers the desperate measures his wife has taken in his absence – resorting to one night of prostitution to pay for their son's hospital bills.
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27. Late Spring (1949)
Late Spring, also known as Banshun, is a drama film released in 1972, based on a Japanese story written and directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu. The film revolves around the life of Noriko, a 27-year-old widowed father's caregiver. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Kamakura, Japan, this story highlights the traditional Japanese culture surrounding marriage and family.
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28. Munekata kyôdai (1950)
Munekata Kyôdai, released in 1950, is a heart-wrenching drama directed by Yasujirô Ozu. The film tells the story of Setsuko, an unhappily married woman married to an engineer, Mimura, who has no job and an uncontrollable drinking habit. Caught between the love of her past and her current misery, Setsuko's sister, Mariko, secretly wants to see Setsuko reunited with the man she's always loved - Hiroshi. However, Mariko also harbors the undeniable attraction of Hiroshi for herself.
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29. Early Summer (1951)
Early Summer, " released in 1951, explores the intricate and evolving relationship between a father, a mother, and their daughter, Noriko. In this film by renowned director Yasujirô Ozu, the typical notion of marriage as a familial obligation is turned upside down.
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30. The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice (1952)
Experience the heartfelt story of "The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice" (1952), originally titled "Ochazuke no aji, " as it explores the lives of a middle-aged, childless couple facing a marital crisis in post-war Japan. Directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu, this poignant drama delves into themes of generational gaps, personal growth, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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31. Tokyo Story (1953)
Tokyo Story" captures the poignant tale of an elderly couple who journey to their children's city home, only to find themselves neglected amidst the hectic modern lifestyle. Directed by Yasujirô Ozu, this heart-wrenching drama showcases the subtle yet profound challenges faced by the elderly in a rapidly changing world.
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32. Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji (1955)
Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji, released in 1955, is an action-packed adventure set in the era of samurais. The story follows a samurai and his two faithful servants on a journey from Edo to Mount Fuji, where they experience firsthand the many injustices that plague their world. Embarking on the path less trodden, they encounter people from all walks of life, learning about the heartache and triumph of their fellow humans.
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33. The Moon Has Risen (1955)
Experience the heartwarming yet complex story of Mokichi, a widowed father of three daughters living on the grounds of a temple in post-war Japan. "The Moon Has Risen" (1955) is a poignant tale that weaves together themes of love, family, and life's unexpected twists.
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34. Early Spring (1956)
Early Spring" (1956), or "Sôshun" in its original Japanese title, is a poignant drama directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu. The film, revolving around the complexities of human emotions, delves into the intricacies of a passionless marriage, infidelity, and the consequences of acting upon one's desires.
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35. Tokyo Twilight (1957)
In the heart of Tokyo, two sisters, Kyoko and Yoko, discover the existence of their long-lost mother. As they search for the truth, Yoko struggles to accept the reality of her abandoned past. Directed by the masterful Yasujirô Ozu with the help of writers Kôgo Noda and Yasujirô Ozu, this 1957 drama explores the raw emotions and challenges faced by the sisters and their family.
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36. Equinox Flower (1958)
Equinox Flower, or Higanbana, is a Japanese comedy-drama film released in 1958, directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu. The story revolves around the complex relationship between a traditional businessman and his modern daughter, who clashes over her choice of a husband. This clash provides the backdrop for the exploration of the changing dynamics in Japan's post-World War II society, as well as the tension between custom and progress.
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37. Good Morning (1959)
Good Morning" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of family, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Set in 1950s Japan, the story revolves around two boys, Isamu and Shusaku, who decide to take a stand against their parents' rules and start a silence strike to convince them to buy a television set.
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38. Floating Weeds (1959)
Floating Weeds" is a captivating Japanese drama film directed by the legendary Yasujirô Ozu. Set in a picturesque seaside town, the story follows a renowned Japanese theatre troupe head who returns to reconnect with his estranged son, who now believes him to be his uncle. As he tries to make up for the lost time, the head of the troupe begins to face mounting challenges.
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39. Late Autumn (1960)
Late Autumn, directed by the acclaimed Yasujirô Ozu, is a heartwarming tale set in post-war Japan. The film revolves around a widow, who, alongside the assistance of her late husband's three friends, attempts to find a suitable partner for her daughter. This nostalgic and minimalist drama, based on the novel of the same name, has won numerous awards for its compelling story, exceptional cinematography, and exceptional acting by Setsuko Hara, Yôko Tsukasa, and Mariko Okada.
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40. The End of Summer (1961)
The End of Summer", a poignant 1961 Japanese drama directed by Yasujirô Ozu, paints an evocative picture of aging and existential loneliness. Set against the backdrop of a family-owned sake brewery, the film explores the concerns and complexities that surface when the owner, an older man, rekindles a relationship with an old flame from his youth. This rediscovery of a forbidden love affair casts a dark cloud over the family's relationships, exposing an undercurrent of infidelity, unfaithfulness, and adultery.
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41. An Autumn Afternoon (1962)
An Autumn Afternoon, " or "Sanma no aji" in Japanese, is a thought-provoking drama film by Yasujirô Ozu that explores the theme of family relationships and existential loneliness. Set in post-World War II Japan, the movie tells the story of an aging widower who takes it upon himself to arrange a marriage for his only daughter in the hope of securing her future happiness. The film is part of Ozu's "Seasonal Film" series, which examines the nuances of human emotions and relationships within the context of changing seasons.
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42. Seishun hôkago (1963)
Seishun hôkago, " a 1963 drama film directed by Tsuneo Hatanaka, explores the lives of three college students as they navigate their way through the joys and challenges of youth. Written by legendary director Yasujirô Ozu and Ton Satomi, the movie delves into the complexities of relationships, ambitions, and the ever-evolving world around them.
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43. Radishes and Carrots (1965)
Radishes and Carrots, " a 1965 Japanese film directed by Minoru Shibuya, provides a captivating and heartfelt exploration of life's simple pleasures. Kôgo Noda, Yasujirô Ozu, and Shibuya collaborated on the screenplay, bringing together an ensemble cast that includes Chishû Ryû, Nobuko Otowa, and Mariko Kaga.
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44. Danshun (1966)
Danshun, " a profound and touching drama, released in 1966 directed by Noboru Nakamura, takes us on a journey of familial love and sacrifice. The movie revolves around the complex lives of two siblings, a brother and sister, who struggle to cope with the harsh realities of life while trying to protect their elderly parents' happiness. Tadao Ikeda, Noboru Nakamura, and Yasujirô Ozu weave a mesmerizing story that touches the heart and makes us reflect on our own relationships.
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45. Such a Long Absence (1985)
Such a Long Absence, " also known as "Mia toso makryni apousia, " is a heart-wrenching Greek drama film released in 1985. Directed and written by Stavros Tsiolis, the movie stars Pemi Zouni, Dimitra Hatoupi, and Minas Hatzisavvas.
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46. Wings of Desire (1987)
Wings of Desire" is a captivating fantasy drama directed by Wim Wenders and written by Peter Handke and Richard Reitinger. This film set in Berlin's bustling atmosphere follows Damiel, a weary angel who yearns for the tangible joys of human existence.
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47. The Cinema of Ozu According to Kiju Yoshida (1993)
The Cinema of Ozu According to Kiju Yoshida" is an insightful documentary that explores the life and works of a pioneering figure in Japanese filmmaking, Yasujirô Ozu. Narrated by Yoshishige Yoshida, a renowned Japanese director, the film focuses on the early years of Ozu's career, delving into his inspirations, influences, and the impact of his films on the cinematic landscape of Japan and beyond.
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48. Tôkyô monogatari (2002)
Tôkyô monogatari" is a beautifully crafted drama film that explores the intricacies of human relationships in a bustling urban landscape. Directed by Rieko Miyamoto and written by Minoru Matsumoto, Yûko Nagata, and Kôgo Noda, the film stars Ken Utsui, Kaoru Yachigusa, and Akira Shirai, who deliver compelling performances.
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49. A Daughter's Marriage (2003)
A Daughter's Marriage, originally titled Musume no Kekkon, is a Japanese drama film that premiered in 2003. Set in a traditional Japanese family, the story revolves around the marriage of a young, intelligent girl.
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50. Moriya, mi Ciudad (2019)
Moriya, mi Ciudad" is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an exploration of the stunning yet humble city of Moriya, located in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture. Directed by Chris Jiménez, this film provides an engaging and in-depth look at the city's enchanting landscapes and cultural attractions, all while being nestled among the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and other prominent cities.
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