Yasujiro Ozu

Yasujiro Ozu began his legendary career when the world was still familiar with silent films, until his very last color films in 1960. During his earlier years, Ozu often made short comedies for fun, before deciding to take a more serious turn in 1930. His most notable themes in the majority of his movies are family and marriage, especially the connection and relationship between different generations. His most well-received pictures entail Tokyo Story (1952), Late Spring (1948), and Autumn Afternoon (1961).

Commonly regarded as an influential and critical figure in the filmmaker segment, Yasujiro Ozu's pictures continue to receive praise and critical acclaim even after he has already passed away. In a 2012 poll organized by Sight and Sound, his movie "Tokyo Story" was chosen as the third best film in history by global critics. And in that very same poll, the movie was chosen as the best film ever by more than 350 filmmakers and directors in the world.

Ozu is lauded due to his exceptional, technical style and innovative narration content. The movies' styles become more prominent and distinctive in some of his later works - a theme not full-fledged until the post-war films. He refused to abide by Hollywood norms, proceeding to make films about the topics he resonates best with.

Years: 1903-1963

Notable works: Tokyo Story, Late Afternoon