#525: OZU, Yasujiro: The Only Son (1936)

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THE ONLY SON/THERE WAS A FATHER: TWO FILMS BY YASUJIRO OZU {Spine #524}

OZU, Yasujiro (Japan)
The Only Son [1936]
Spine #525
DVD


Yasujiro Ozu's first talkie, the uncommonly poignant The Only Son is among the Japanese director's greatest works. In its simple story about a good-natured mother who gives up everything to ensure her son's education and future, Ozu touches on universal themes of sacrifice, family, love, and disappointment. Spanning many years, The Only Son is a family portrait in miniature, shot and edited with its maker's customary exquisite control.

83 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Japanese
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2010
Director/Writers


Story by James Maki (a.k.a. Yasujiro Ozu).
Screenplay by Tadao Ikeda and Masao Arata.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eighteen-page booklet featuring an essay by critic and historian Tony Rayns.

Commentary

None.

Video interviews

With film scholars Tadao Sato, David Bordwell, and Kristin Thompson.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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