A Shochiku film
Early Summer
From the 1951 arts festival
Written by Kogo Noda and Yasujiro Ozu
Producer Takeshi Yamamoto
Cinematography by Yuharu Atsuta
Art direction by Tatsuo Hamada
Recording by Yoshisaburo Seno
Lighting by Itsuo Takashita
Film developed by Ryuji Hayashi
Editing by Yoshiyasu Hamamura
Music by Senji Ito
Cast:
Setsuko Hara
Chishu Ryu
Chikage Awashima
Kuniko Miyake
Ichiro Sugai
Chieko Higashiyama
Haruko Sugimura
Hiroshi Nihonyanagi
Kuniko Igawa
Toyoko Takahashi
Kokuten Kodo
Seiji Miyaguchi
Shuji Sano
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu
breakfast, grandpa.
Come on. - I'll be right there.
I told him.
Put this on the table.
- Some pickles. - Thanks.
Where's Isamu?
- Did you wash your face? - Yes.
No, you didn't. Your face is dirty.
Hurry up.
Did you wash?
Yes.
The towel's wet. Go and see.
You sure?
Thank you.
We've started already.
Will you mail this?
Chew your food well.
You're off early.
I've got a very sick patient.
- I'll bring great-uncle back with me. - I appreciate it.
- Good-bye. - Bye.
Hurry. You only have seven minutes.
Are you coming? Where will we meet?
Noriko and I have decided on a place.
Good-bye.
I'm done.
Hurry up, Isamu.
What foods does uncle like?
You needn't bother, but he likes beans.
Me too.
Hurry up and eat.
You're slow.
Thanks for breakfast.
- I'll be going. - Good-bye.
- See you at 5:30. - All right.
You'll be late.
Don't forget father's mail.
Thanks. Good-bye now.
What are you doing?
Good-bye.
Have you got everything?
Good-bye.
Good morning.
Where's your brother?
- He caught an earlier train. - I see.
- So there's a very sick patient? - Yes. I stayed late last night.
This book's good. - How far along are you?
Chapter four.
Now your toes are all neat and clean.
Here's a treat for you.
You love grandpa?
Very much?
Yes, very much.
I love you.
That's all.
- I hate you. - Hey!
- I hate you. - Listen here!
We've got an order.
What about Asahi?
Still pending.
You know a good coffee shop?
I'd recommend the Luna in Ginza. But it's a tiny place.
Did you see the company president?
Yes. Why?
No reason.
Hello.
Here comes the bill collector.
Hi.
Busy?
As always.
Must mean business is good.
Thank you.
So what happened the other night?
Very interesting. Mr. Yada sang again.
What a shame.
It made mother's heart act up again.
Don't worry. The old hag won't die.
Did you hear? Chako is getting married.
I didn't know. To whom?
Mr. Tsumura. You know him?
Played basketball for Waseda.
I don't know him. Are they in love?
Yes. She's had a crush on him forever.
You're like two jealous old maids - a sad sight.
Here. I hope it won't bounce.
Thank you.
I'm going out.
Where to?
Mr. Robert's hotel. If he calls, say I値l be there at 2:00.
Could you give me a ride?
- But it's out of your way. - I'll continue home from there.
Coming by later?
- I can't today. - Okay. See you.
Shikikawa
here's your order.
What's this?
- Some sort of seafood. - Squillas.
- Some more? - I've had enough.
- You drink quite a bit, Noriko. - I like beer. Have some more.
Maybe just a little.
Don't. No need to drink just to be a good sport.
What's funny?
That's so typical.
- He's always like that. - Like what?
You have a habit of offering something and then taking it back.
She said she'd had enough.
You have no sense of etiquette.
What do you mean?
- Is the tempura good? - Yes, very good.
You're always bringing up etiquette at every turn,
expecting men to be kind to women.
But you're mistaken.
Men and women should both respect each other.
That's what etiquette means.
So you do know. That's good.
- I didn't think you did. - Don't be silly.
- Want some rice? - Yes, please.
It's deplorable, what's happened since the war.
Women have become so forward, taking advantage of "etiquette. "
That's not true.
We've just taken our natural place. Men were too forward up to now.
Hear, hear!
That's why you can't get married.
It's not that I can't. I could in a minute if I wanted.
So you say.
Just don't marry a doctor.
Never.
You two are impossible.
We should hurry if you still want to go to Ginza.
He's coming on the 9:45 train. We still have time.
When was the last time uncle visited?
A year after the war ended. The station was so crowded.
I was still wearing those pants we wore during the war.
Uncle's kept in good health through it all.
This is good rice.
I remember that scroll from the house in Yamato.
What happened to the other one that was shaped like a fan?
The smaller one.
I sold it.
Really?
This one is quite nice.
Prices have gone up. Times are bad.
You're working on Sunday?
Yes. Shall I bring back some treats for uncle?
Just remember he can't chew anything hard.
All right, then. I'll be going.
Good-bye.
Bye.
Noriko, take this up to uncle.
Is that okay with you?
Some tea for you, uncle.
How old are you now, Noriko?
Twenty-eight.
- She's 28 now. - Is that right?
About time to marry.
Some women don't want to get married.
Are you one of them?
Here's my share.
- I've got change. - Don't bother.
I insist.
We could have cooked that same meal for much less.
- It wouldn't have been nearly as delicious. - But the whole family could've eaten.
I almost forgot. How much was the coffee in Ginza?
That's all right.
- No, how much? - It was my treat.
Thank you.
Auntie.
What is it?
Is great-uncle deaf?
Not at all.
He can't hear me.
Yes, he can.
Idiot.
Speak louder!
Aren't you tired, uncle?
I see.
How old are you now?
Twenty-eight.
It's about time you got married.
Do you know any good men?
Someone rich
who can make me happy and give me a very easy life?
Yes, it's a fine day.
Good afternoon.
Hello, Mitsuko. Taking a walk with grandma?
The weather's so nice.
- Is your father home? - No, he's with your brother.
At the conference?
I hope he's not a burden on your brother.
Quite the opposite, I知 sure.
Your dress is so pretty.
I hear you have a guest.
He's here with me now.
Is that right?
Give him some candy.
He eats the paper too!
He must be enjoying this.
I hope he can hear the show.
Sure, we got him a seat near the front.
Taka is taking a long time with her bath.
What's the trouble?
I don't know.
When I got home from downtown,
she was here crying and asked me to let her stay the night.
She had a fight with her husband.
But they're so sweet with each other.
Maybe too sweet.
Ah, Noriko!
Thanks for the bath.
Did you just get here? - Yes.
Why are you staring at me?
You were too sweet with him.
Too sweet.
Not at all.
What was the trouble?
- Nothing at all. - It wasn't nothing.
What happened?
- It's the dog. - What dog?
My pet dog.
It chewed on his pipe.
He was rather careless, leaving it lying around.
It's a nice pipe from London.
He blamed me. So I served him carrots, out of spite.
To whom? The dog?
Not the dog. My husband.
- A horse would've liked the carrots. - Silly!
Anyhow, he exploded this morning.
Over a trivial thing like that?
It was really upsetting.
You should be patient. That's nothing.
- You're a married woman. - So?
You have to put up with it. Doesn't she?
It's only natural, isn't it?
Husbands are all like that.
That's why we don't marry.
That's right, isn't it?
You don't know anything about married life.
- Married life? - Only married people understand.
Once you're married, it's too late to understand.
I'm going home.
Yes, you should.
It's for the best.
For Mr. Carrot, too.
Then I知 staying.
- Not going home? - No.
- Then spend the night. - No.
- So you're leaving? - No.
Make up your mind.
Your husband's on the phone.
Really? Thank you.
- May I bring it up? - What?
You know, that subject. Should I ask Noriko about it?
- About what? - This.
Your heart?
She wants your brother to examine her.
Do you think he'd see her? - Really?
I feel sick whenever I drink a few cups of sake.
Then stop drinking.
In my business I have to.
My heart reacts badly.
Someone recommended Moxa treatment, so I went to this place -
I know that already.
I'm talking to Noriko.
I'll explain to her. She'll help you.
Of course.
I hope you will. Thank you.
Your boss is upstairs.
- Alone? - He just got here.
- I should go say hello. - What?
I have some time.
Are you staying?
And you?
I'm sorry, but I have to go.
Why? Sit down and relax.
He's waiting for me in Ginza.
Who? Mr. Carrot?
That's right. Sorry.
Go on, then.
Are you going to Chako's wedding?
No, I知 not.
Excuse me.
Oh, you're here? Come and sit.
Hill enterprises called after you left.
- And? - I did as you said.
Thank you.
Have a drink.
Thank you.
I'm glad you came.
I wanted to talk to you.
Yes?
Why don't you get married?
It's about time.
I have a prospect.
A classmate from the university, a little older than me.
Lived in Calcutta for a long time.
His name's Manabe. A good man.
He's never been married. Not sure if he's still a virgin.
I have some pictures.
This is him.
Have a look.
This one too.
A better golfer than me, and better-looking.
I'm sorry...
I have to go now.
Don't try to escape.
I'm not. But I have to meet my parents.
Really? Then take my car.
- If you don't mind. - No problem.
Thank you.
Take the pictures.
Show them to your folks and ask their opinion.
All right. Thank you.
Tea's ready.
Aren't you sleepy, uncle?
Uncle, you must be tired.
Why don't you go to bed? You have an early train tomorrow.
I really enjoyed the play.
The young actors were so good.
Really admirable.
Then I値l have to go see it too.
I'm glad you liked it.
Let's go to bed.
All right.
Come see me in Yamato.
I will, after Noriko's married.
The two of you should come live there.
Yamato is the best place to live.
Leave this house to the young people.
I agree. Koichi's independent now.
I for one would be happy to.
I'm going to bed.
Good night.
Mr. Satake asked if I was thinking about getting married.
Uncle was asking the same thing.
Seems I知 suddenly popular.
- So what did your boss have to say? - I didn't have time to listen.
May I take this? - Yes.
- A visitor for dr. Mamiya. - Who is it?
A Mrs. Tamura.
Good. I'll see her.
Any test results yet? - No, not yet.
That's odd.
How do you do? I'm dr. Mamiya.
I'm Aya's mother.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
Your sister's such a good friend to my daughter.
I hear you're concerned about your heart.
I wanted to ask you to examine me, doctor.
If I can be of any help.
I'm sure you can, but I知 sorry to bother you.
It's all right.
Thank you.
By the way, congratulations about Noriko.
Aya and I are happy for her.
- What do you mean? - Mr. Satake found a man for her.
Is that right?
He's a really fine man.
The young director of a company with a good reputation.
He's from a very good family in Zentsuji.
They keep up their home there in the best traditional style.
I see.
Well, shall we begin?
Thank you for making time for me.
I'm home.
Welcome home. You're early today.
- Is Noriko home yet? - No.
She's at her friend's wedding. - Which one?
Chako. You don't know her.
The bath's ready.
Father's taking his now.
Mrs. Tamura came to the hospital.
Aya's mother?
She's really something.
How is she?
It's her nose, not her heart.
How's the bath, father?
Very nice.
Mr. Satake's friend sounds like a good man for Noriko.
You know about that?
Mrs. Tamura told me. He's a director of a firm.
- He looks like a good man. - You've seen him?
I saw his picture.
She has a picture of him?
Isamu, go to your room.
What's he like?
In the pictures he's playing golf. His face isn't very clear.
Go to your room!
Sounds good.
I think so too.
- Shall I ask around? - I think this could be a good match.
Go, Isamu!
Sounds promising.
I agree.
186, 187, 188, 189, 190...
that was 200.
Twenty yen.
For that much money I should get more.
Isamu, give grandma a little extra massage.
Oh, you're going to massage me now?
Thank you.
With these 20 yen, I値l have saved 300 yen, grandma.
Good, but what are you saving for?
Model train track.
But you already have some.
I want more to make a really long track. Right, Isamu?
The bath was nice. Just right.
Father.
Noriko has received a proposal. - Really?
It seems good.
Good.
It's about time she got married.
She's 28 already.
That's right. I hope it's a good match.
I think so. I'll ask around about him.
Yes, do that, and right away.
- That's not fair to say. - You don't think so?
- Any bride would be like that. - But I致e never seen her act like that.
Yes, she was putting on airs, looking all prim.
- Where did you go on your honeymoon? - Shuzenji.
We went to Atami.
It started raining that very day. We couldn't go out for three days.
We had to stay in the hotel and didn't know what to do with ourselves.
Mari, why are you telling us this?
Just a documentary report.
We asked a hotel employee for a top.
A top?
A spinning top. We passed the time with it.
My husband is very good at it. - Oh, really?
You shouldn't flaunt it in front of the single girls.
Silly! We don't play with tops, do we?
That's for children, isn't it?
Single girls don't understand, do they?
You have to pity them.
How can you say that?
What is it?
She has no right.
I'm leaving.
Single people don't know what real happiness is.
They have no right to talk.
Shut up, Mrs. Carrot!
Single people have no say!
You go on about happiness, but it's no more
than the anticipation you feel before going to the races,
planning what horse to bet on and how you'll spend your winnings.
You're wrong. You don't know.
- You too? - Don't back down!
- I'm leaving too. - Leave, dreamers!
Shall we go visit Noriko one of these days?
You're all welcome.
Next Sunday?
Sounds good. Can you come too, Aya?
I can - anytime - because I知 not married.
She's at it again!
I'm home.
Is that you, Noriko?
Shall I lock the door?
- Finally home! - Welcome.
How did the bride look? - Lovely.
The reception was magnificent.
Was she in a dress?
No, a kimono.
Here's some cake for you.
What is it?
Shortcake. How nice.
I went to Ginza with some friends.
They're coming by next Sunday.
Really? I'll cook something special.
You don't want any? - It's for you.
Thank you.
My group of friends is funny.
We always split in two.
The married and the single. Aya got all worked up again.
How come?
Because the married ones look down on us for being single.
Why not get married?
- You take their side? - Of course.
I see.
Then I guess I値l think about it.
How about the man Mr. Satake suggested?
Mr. Satake spoke very well of him.
You scared me!
Were you awake all this time?
She doesn't seem opposed.
No.
There's some hope.
She may accept. Try and ask her.
This cake is really good.
I'll buy more next time.
She's stubborn. Be tactful.
Leave it to me.
Tell her that father approves, but don't press her too much.
All right.
Do your best.
Hello!
Who is it?
Hello. It's good to see you again.
Ah, Tami. Come in.
Thank you.
How have you been?
Where's Koichi's wife?
She went shopping. Please make yourself comfortable.
Here's some fish from my hometown.
I hope you like it.
You're always very kind.
Oh, it's nothing.
We had a strange visitor this morning.
Who was it?
I'd never seen him before.
A man with parted hair, glasses and a black bag.
I thought he was from the tax office,
but he wasn't.
Who was he?
He was from a detective agency.
He asked me about Noriko.
I realized it was about her marriage.
I asked him who was interested.
He just scratched his head and tried to laugh it off.
I was annoyed and told him he'd never find a better girl.
That horrible man knew quite a lot.
He even knew that our sons were classmates.
Oh, hello.
Welcome.
Thank you for being so kind to Kenkichi.
How are you?
I'm fine, thanks.
Your son has become a good doctor.
Thank you, but all he does since his wife died is read books.
Has it been two years?
Yes. How time flies.
And your son shoji?
He won't be coming back.
Some people have returned recently.
I've given up hope.
My wife still thinks he's alive somewhere.
I know how it is. You can't help it.
She listens to the missing persons hour on the radio.
It's funny how our memories work.
I forget about recent things.
Yet I remember everything about shoji vividly.
There's no hope now.
Internal medicine
you were stationed in Zentsuji, right?
That's right.
You know a man named Manabe?
No. Who is he?
Never mind.
Ask Sakaguchi.
Really? Was he in Zentsuji?
He might know him. He knows a lot of people.
This piece -
was this here? - No, it was over here.
So many kids around now.
Sunday means noise.
My house's filled with them today.
I couldn't stay there.
Watch your legs.
There it goes!
Faster.
Here it comes again.
Is this ready?
Yes, take it in.
What a crowd!
Have some sandwiches, everyone.
Let's eat.
Don't step on the tracks!
Can you take this?
Mother, buy me more track.
You have enough.
Most of it belongs to my friends. I only have eight pieces.
You have the money.
Not enough. I want to make a really long course. Right, Isamu?
Please buy me more.
I'll ask father.
Please do.
Tell him it's 32mm-gauge. Don't forget!
- You're very crafty! - Shut up!
Will you buy me some? - No.
Stingy!
Hello.
Welcome.
Mari called. She can't make it today.
Has taka come yet? - No.
Oh, what a crowd!
Just look at that!
Go away!
Hello.
Hello. Go on upstairs.
It's beautiful.
This is for your mother. - Thank you.
The sky's beautiful from here.
The sky isn't like this where I live.
Your parents? - They've gone out.
What about Mari?
Her husband's going on a business trip. She really wanted to come.
If I were her, I would have come.
It's probably not that simple.
She could have come. She has a maid to help her.
Maybe a wife has other worries.
We just wouldn't know.
That's right.
Help yourself.
Kamakura is a nice place.
I wish I could live here.
Noriko, phone call for you.
From Oiso.
Hello? Taka? What is it?
Taka just called from Oiso.
Her father's sick.
That's not true. I know he's on a trip.
This party was her idea.
Why didn't she come?
We've been dumped.
Because we argued with them.
We were such close friends in school.
Now we're drifting apart.
Can't be helped. That's how it is, it seems.
I don't like it.
Shall we go to the beach later?
Yes.
Have something to eat first.
Pass me the drinks.
This may be the happiest time for our family.
We'll be losing Noriko soon, which will be a bit sad.
You're right.
What do you think of Satake's plan?
I hope it works out. It's time she got married.