Ozu Yasojiro’s breakthrough film in the West was Tokyo Story, and it has unfortunately gained the reputation as his best film. In fact he made numerous equally brilliant films. David’s favorite was Early Summer, a good choice. I remember thinking Equinox Flower was gorgeous the first time I saw it (it was his first color film) but rather light-weight. A comedy, it centers around a strict father who does not approve of his daughter resisting an arranged marriage while he urges a friend of hers to marry whom she wants. Every time I see it, it seems better, as touching as Ozu’s other films dealing with fathers and daughters. And the motif of a bright red tea kettle is one of many indications that he was one of the great masters of color. – Kristin Thompson