Yasujirō Ozu (1903-1963) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important and influential film directors. Ozu made 54 films in his lifetime, of which over 30 survive. Ozu’s films capture the style and pacing of day-to-day life, with the family as a consistent theme in his works. Ozu’s films capture the minutiae of fortune and tragedy. He depicts joy and sorrow with an exaggerated theatricality while leaving space for the viewer to connect the narrative to his or her own experiences. Ozu’s distinctive visual aesthetic is defined by meticulous framing, low camera placement, and static shots.

Yasujirō Ozu was born on December 12, 1903 in Fukagawa District, Japan. He died on the same day sixty years later. To commemorate what would be the 110th birthday of the renowned director (as well as the 50th anniversary of his death), UCCA presents seven films representative of his late career: Tokyo Story, Early Spring, Equinox Flower, Good Morning, Floating Weeds,Late Autumn, and An Autumn Afternoon. The program also includes a screening of I Lived, But…(The Life and Works of Yasujiro Ozu), a documentary filmed for the director’s 80th birthday. In addition, UCCA will organize a lecture for academics and filmmakers to commemorate the Japanese cinematic master.

*image (left)
Tokyo Story
still cut 
directed by Yasujirō Ozu
courtesy of UCCA