Yasujirō Ozu

A visionary Japanese filmmaker whose minimalist style redefined global cinema.

Yasujirō Ozu (1903–1963) revolutionized filmmaking with his unorthodox techniques, such as tatami-level camera angles and static shots that emphasized everyday life. His films, like Tokyo Story (1953), explored familial bonds and postwar Japanese society with poetic subtlety.

Ozu’s rejection of Hollywood conventions—eschewing dramatic plots for quiet introspection—inspired directors like Wim Wenders and Aki Kaurismäki. He crafted over 50 films, often focusing on ordinary people grappling with change, a theme exemplified in Late Spring (1949). The Ozu-esque aesthetic prioritized composition over action, creating a meditative rhythm that remains influential.

Despite limited acclaim during his lifetime, retrospectives at institutions like MoMA cemented his status as a cinematic innovator. Ozu’s ability to find profundity in simplicity makes him a timeless figure who truly made a difference.