I understand that this "Noriko" Trilogy of Ozu's work contain his most respected and loved films. In many highly critical quarters, 'Tokyo Story' remains the single best film of ALL time!
That is why I bought this set myself, over five years ago. Ozu doesn't bulldoze his greatness over you - you won't be immediately gob-smacked, in the same way that a Francis Ford Coppola might. Like the finer things in life, you have to savour and almost learn to like them and then their subtle beauty and layers reveal themselves, slowly.
Having said that, none of these three are my favourite films,(nor Japanese) and nor do I award any of them 10/10. Maybe I need to work harder, though some say that a knowledge of Japanese society is beneficial. I actually like 'Late Spring' the best, as it's lighter and feels fresher than the other two. They sort of follow the seasons and a family throughout the generations, so when we come to 'Tokyo Story', the life cycle has moved on. That's rather more heavy going and is supposed to illustrate the increasing alienation between young and old in an economically emerging Japan.
I, for now, have put them aside to play again in a few month's time, by which time I might be wiser and able to get more from them. To anyone who enjoys deeply thoughtful and intelligent World Cinema, rather than the horror's and samurai's that Japan is better known for, I'd definitely say give them a go and if you don't appreciate them fully at first, do as I shall. Consider this set as an shrewd investment.
