Chasing Ozu

by Shinnosuke Kometani, Kimiko Takeda (Translator)

An in-depth look at the life and aesthetics of Yasujiro Ozu, a directors’ director, based on the analyses of 60 remarks from Ozu‘s interviews and screenplays, authored by Shinnosuke Kometani and translated by Kimiko Takeda. Ozu’s seminal work, Tokyo Story, was voted the greatest film of all time, beating 2001: A Space Odyssey and Citizen Kane, by a poll of 358 directors for Sight & Sound, the world-renowned film magazine, in 2012. Interspersed with anecdotes and analyses on Ozu’s unique cinematic style and creative process, this book is a rare gem that examines Ozu through the words that he left behind. A must read for all film aficionados and fans of Japanese culture. The cover design by Sachiko Murakami was inspired by Ozu’s first color film, Equinox Flower.

Genres: Japan

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2021

Reviews

[Luke Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. I found the translation a little sloppy… but it was coherent and a fast read. There was a very odd paragraph where the author adds his opinions on why arranged marriages (a common theme in Ozu’s films) are a good idea. Felt icky reading that.

[Ellen Gwynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to get more backstory on this superlative film director.