Early Summer
Year: 1972
Runtime: 125 min
Language: Japanese
Director: Yasujiro Ozu
In postwar Tokyo, Noriko, a 28-year-old woman, finds herself at a pivotal moment, balancing her desire for independence with the expectations of her family and society. Faced with pressure to marry, she grapples with two very different possibilities: the stability offered by a match with Takako, and the resurfacing of a childhood connection with Kenkichi, whose return stirs up buried feelings and complicates her choices.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Timeline & Setting – Early Summer (1972)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Early Summer (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27
Main Characters – Early Summer (1972)
Meet the key characters of Early Summer (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27
Major Themes – Early Summer (1972)
Explore the central themes of Early Summer (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Movies about societal pressure like Early Summer
Stories where personal desires clash with the weight of family and tradition.If you liked the gentle conflict between personal freedom and family duty in Early Summer, you'll find similar themes here. This collection features movies about characters navigating societal expectations, marriage pressure, and generational differences, often with a reflective and melancholic tone.
Early Summer
1972
Distant
2004
Treeless Mountain
2009
Mr. & Mrs. Bridge
1990
Certain Women
2016
Winter Solstice
2005
The Makioka Sisters (1983)
2011
Daisy Miller
1974
Family Romance, LLC
2019
Titli
2002
The Makioka Sisters
1983
The Bronte Sisters
1979
Three Seasons
1999
The Storyteller
2022
A Sweet Woman
1976
Narrative Summary
The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often a woman, at a crossroads. They are presented with a choice that represents the 'correct' path according to tradition versus a riskier path of personal fulfillment. The story focuses on their introspection, the subtle pressures from those around them, and the eventual, often bittersweet, resolution of their dilemma.
Why These Movies?
Movies are grouped here because they share a central theme of societal constraint and a quiet, character-driven approach to drama. They prioritize emotional authenticity and subtlety over melodrama, creating a deeply reflective and often poignant viewing experience.
Movies with bittersweet endings like Early Summer
Endings that are both a fulfillment and a loss, capturing the complexity of growing up.Fans of the poignant, realistic ending of Early Summer will appreciate this selection. These are movies that conclude on a bittersweet note, where a character's decisive choice leads to personal growth but also entails a sense of loss or separation, much like Noriko's journey.
The End of Summer
1962
Brideshead Revisited
2008
The Ignorant Fairies
2002
The Trip to Bountiful
1986
The End of Summer
2013
A Perfect Ending
2012
The Trip to Bountiful
2014
Sentimental Destinies
2000
Bernard and Doris
2006
Stealing Home
1988
Late Autumn
1960
Early Summer
1951
All I Desire
1953
No Looking Back
1998
The Hedgehog
2009
Narrative Summary
The narrative arc leads to a climax that is a decision rather than an event. The protagonist chooses a path that secures their future or identity, but it inexorably severs a past connection—be it with family, a loved one, or a former way of life. The focus is on the emotional weight and acceptance of this necessary change.
Why These Movies?
These movies are united by their emotional conclusion, which perfectly balances hope and regret. They offer a mature, nuanced perspective on life transitions, making them deeply moving and memorable without resorting to tragedy or unadulterated joy.
Unlock the Full Story of Early Summer
Don't stop at just watching — explore Early Summer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Early Summer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Early Summer Summary
Read a complete plot summary of Early Summer, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Early Summer Timeline
Track the full timeline of Early Summer with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
