Three Melodramas by Yasujiro Ozu DVD

'Three Melodramas by Yasujiro Ozu' (1933 + 1956 + 1957) BFI 2-Disc DVD Collection | Japanese intertitles and audio w/ English subtitles

Melodrama is a word rarely associated with master Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, whose beautifully constructed films capture the poetry of everyday life. Spanning his career, this collection demonstrates the director's ability to apply his exquisite style to darker themes.

Disc One:
Woman of Tokyo (1933)
This silent drama sees Ozu experimenting with the cutaways that would become so associated with his later style. Chikako works hard to pay her brother's college fees, but disaster looms when he learns the true nature of her work.

Early Spring (1956)
Made after Tokyo Story, Early Spring focuses on the problems of young salary workers. Shoji and his wife Masako struggle with a family tragedy. When Shoji's interest turns to the office flirt, the couple's fragile peace is threatened.

Disc Two:
Tokyo Twilight (1957)
Ozu's last black and white film is a masterpiece of atmospheric chiaroscuro. Abandoned by their mother, sisters Akiko and Takako live with their father. When Akiko falls into desperate trouble, she turns away from her family.

Special features:
- Optional score for Woman of Tokyo by Ed Hughes commissioned exclusively for the BFI
- Illustrated booklet with new essays