Equinox Flower (1958)

In the bustling heart of Tokyo, Wataru and Kiyoko Hirayama find themselves in a familial conundrum when their eldest daughter, Setsuko Hirayama, enters the age of marriage. While Wataru, a respected businessman known for his objective insights into matters of heart and home, aspires to arrange an advantageous match for Setsuko, his younger daughter Hisako advocates for the modern concept of choosing one's own partner – a path Setsuko herself seems to ponder in silence. As Wataru embarks on the quest to find an affluent and prosperous suitor for Setsuko, the unexpected happens. A young man named Masahiko Taniguchi, a far cry from the prosperous image Wataru holds for his daughter's partner, approaches him with a marriage proposal for Setsuko. To Wataru's surprise, Setsuko confirms her affection for Taniguchi, a kind and considerate man, albeit not from a wealthy family nor with the promise of a prosperous future. Setsuko's secrecy regarding Taniguchi stems from her awareness of her father's preconceived notions about her potential partner. Meanwhile, Taniguchi's decision to approach Wataru directly is motivated by his impending work transfer to Hiroshima. As Wataru struggles with his rigid beliefs and endeavors to learn more about Taniguchi, he finds himself on a journey of exploration and understanding of the evolving dynamics of marriage in the modern age. Caught between the traditional customs of arranged marriages that shaped his own life and the emerging trends of self-determined unions, Wataru finds his calm and objective demeanor tested. The film, Equinox Flower, ingeniously captures this captivating generational clash, nudging viewers to ponder the quintessential question of tradition versus modernity.

Equinox Flower is a comedy movie featuring Shin Saburi.

Equinox Flower is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.