The End of Summer 1961
Directed by the masterful Yasujirō Ozu, *The End of Summer* (1961) unfolds as a poignant family drama set against the backdrop of a fading sake brewery.
Director: Yasujirō Ozu
Cast
Setsuko Hara
Akiko
Yōko Tsukasa
Noriko
Michiyo Aratama
Fumiko
Keiju Kobayashi
Hisao
Masahiko Shimazu
Masao
Hisaya Morishige
Isomura Eiichirou
Chieko Naniwa
Sasaki Tsune
Reiko Dan
Yuriko
Haruko Sugimura
Katou Shige
Daisuke Katō
Kitagawa Yanosuke
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The End of Summer* (1961) about?
The film follows the family of a sake brewery owner whose discovery of his secret visits to an old mistress raises concerns about his health and finances. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, the story explores themes of aging, duty, and the fragility of tradition in a changing world.
Who directed *The End of Summer*?
Yasujirō Ozu, one of Japan's most revered filmmakers, directed *The End of Summer*. Known for his meditative style and humanistic storytelling, Ozu's films often focus on family dynamics and societal shifts.
Who stars in *The End of Summer*?
The film stars Setsuko Hara, Yōko Tsukasa, Michiyo Aratama, Keiju Kobayashi, and Hisaya Morishige in pivotal roles.
Is *The End of Summer* (1961) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate slow-burn dramas with emotional depth. Ozu's direction and the cast's performances make it a rewarding experience, especially for fans of character-driven cinema. Its themes of family and legacy transcend time, making it a classic worth discovering.
How long is *The End of Summer*?
The film runs for 103 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive narrative experience.
About The End of Summer (1961) — Yasujirō Ozu's Poignant Family Drama Explored
Directed by the masterful Yasujirō Ozu, *The End of Summer* (1961) unfolds as a poignant family drama set against the backdrop of a fading sake brewery. The story centers on an aging patriarch whose hidden visits to an old flame unsettle his family, sparking quiet tensions over his well-being and finances. Ozu's signature gentle pacing and deep emotional resonance transform everyday moments into reflections on change, memory, and the inevitable passage of time. With a restrained yet powerful atmosphere, the film captures the bittersweet balance between tradition and modernity in post-war Japan.
The cast, led by the legendary Setsuko Hara, delivers performances that feel both intimate and timeless. Yōko Tsukasa and Michiyo Aratama ground the narrative in familial warmth, while Keiju Kobayashi and Hisaya Morishige add layers of depth to the patriarch's world. A masterclass in storytelling, *The End of Summer* is a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
