Equinox Flower
(Higanbana)

Screening on Film

Directed by Yasujiro Ozu.
With Ineko Arima, Kinuyo Tanaka and Shin Saburi.
Japan, 1958, 16mm, color, 118 min.
Japanese with English subtitles.

Another close examination of family life, Ozu’s first color film is presented from the viewpoint of the younger generation. Focusing on a modern young woman who wishes to choose her husband over her father’s objections, Ozu opens an age-old discussion on respect for the beliefs and values of elders and the tensions spawned by youthful rebellion. As the father is slowly won over, the entire family is subjected to Ozu’s gentle irony and loving detail. The color enhances the tone and mood of the film and showcases Yamamoto’s famous beauty.