
A Primer on Marriage 1930
In *A Primer on Marriage (1930)*, legendary Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu crafts a lighthearted yet sharp comedy about the tangled web of domestic bliss and romantic missteps.
Director: Yasujirō Ozu
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Primer on Marriage (1930) about?
The film follows a dentist whose harmless flirtation on a train sparks a chain of comic misunderstandings with his wife, the woman he pursued, and her husband. What begins as a brief dalliance quickly spirals into a series of awkward confrontations, revealing the fragility of domestic harmony.
Who directed A Primer on Marriage?
The film was directed by Yasujirō Ozu, a master of Japanese cinema known for his subtle, humanistic style and keen observations of family life.
Who stars in A Primer on Marriage?
The cast features Tatsuo Saitō, Sumiko Kurishima, Shin'yō Nara, Minoru Takada, and Mitsuko Yoshikawa in key roles that drive the film's comedic misunderstandings.
Is A Primer on Marriage (1930) worth watching?
While *A Primer on Marriage* is now a lost film, Ozu's signature wit and the era's unique charm make it a fascinating watch for silent cinema enthusiasts. Its blend of comedy and social commentary offers a glimpse into early Japanese filmmaking, though modern viewers may find it more intriguing as a historical curiosity.
How long is A Primer on Marriage?
The film has a runtime of 71 minutes.
About A Primer on Marriage (1930) — Yasujirō Ozu's Lost Comedy of Marital Mischief
In *A Primer on Marriage (1930)*, legendary Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu crafts a lighthearted yet sharp comedy about the tangled web of domestic bliss and romantic missteps. The story follows a seemingly content dentist whose harmless flirtation on a train unravels into a comical cascade of misunderstandings involving his wife, the young woman he pursues, and her equally bewildered husband. As the once-routine life of this urban family spirals into farce, Ozu's subtle humor and keen eye for social nuance shine through in every awkward glance and misdelivered message.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Tokyo, the film explores themes of marital fatigue, social expectations, and the unintended consequences of fleeting desires. With its brisk 71-minute runtime and ensemble cast of Ozu regulars, *A Primer on Marriage (1930)* offers a snapshot of pre-war Japan through the lens of domestic comedy, blending warmth with gentle satire. Though now considered a lost film, its legacy endures among silent-era enthusiasts and fans of Ozu's distinctive storytelling voice.