An Autumn Afternoon (1962)

In the heart of 1960s Tokyo, a tale of familial bonds and inevitable changes unfurls. Our protagonist, Shuhei Hirayama, a widower and former naval captain, finds himself navigating life's turbulent seas as a factory manager. His humble household comprises his adult children - his dutiful 24-year-old daughter, Michiko, and his younger son, Kazuo. His older son, Koichi, finds himself ensnared in a marriage with Akiko, where compulsive consumption and financial control create a unique dynamic. Hirayama frequently seeks solace in the company of his old comrades, Kawai and Professor Horie, the latter of whom is entranced in a marriage with a wife significantly younger than him. The trio often immerses themselves in a haze of nostalgia and liquor at a local bar. A reunion with their former school teacher, Sakuma, unveils the fact that Sakuma's daughter has forsaken her own prospects of marriage to care for her aging father. Through these encounters, Hirayama is struck with a poignant realization - Michiko, who has filled their home with joy and devotion, should not be bound to his side for the rest of her life. This realization sets in motion Hirayama's quest to secure a future for Michiko beyond the walls of their home, even if it means letting go of the daughter he cherishes. Hence, the film, An Autumn Afternoon, paints a poignant portrait of a father's love and the inevitable transitions that life brings, wrapped in the vibrant hues of Tokyo's post-war era.

An Autumn Afternoon is a drama movie featuring Chishū Ryū.

An Autumn Afternoon is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy An Autumn Afternoon on Amazon Video and Apple TV.