If this is your first Ozu film, you're better off starting at the "beginning" with Late Spring. If you've seen that one, or others in the "series", you'll probably like this one for its overall, cinematic refinement and its inclusion of more light-hearted dialogue and performances. If you're new to Japanese cinema altogether, I wouldn't begin with this movie, because it may strike you as boring.
With each of Ozu's movies that I see, it's clear, at least to me, that his intent was variations on a theme. As his career progressed, so did his approach to these variations. The template basically remains the same; but the internal workings of the story, cast, dialogue, surroundings, etc., are elevated just enough to sustain the film as a whole.
I will be watching The End Of Summer and An Autumn Afternoon soon to round out my Ozu experience. If you are a true foreign cinema buff and you don't mind deliberately slow-paced, reserved storytelling, treat yourself to Ozu's filmmaking. He's nothing if not consistent.
With each of Ozu's movies that I see, it's clear, at least to me, that his intent was variations on a theme. As his career progressed, so did his approach to these variations. The template basically remains the same; but the internal workings of the story, cast, dialogue, surroundings, etc., are elevated just enough to sustain the film as a whole.
I will be watching The End Of Summer and An Autumn Afternoon soon to round out my Ozu experience. If you are a true foreign cinema buff and you don't mind deliberately slow-paced, reserved storytelling, treat yourself to Ozu's filmmaking. He's nothing if not consistent.