Late Spring (1949)

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Japan, "Late Spring" (1949) is an emotionally rich tale of Noriko Somiya, a resilient 27-year-old woman. Emerging from the ashes of the war, Noriko has just recovered from a debilitating illness, her spirit remains unfettered. She leads a simple yet content life in the suburbs of Tokyo with her father, Shukichi Somiya, a 57-year-old widowed college professor. Their bond, cemented by shared hardships and mutual care, is the core of Noriko's happiness. However, the societal norms of the time cast a long shadow over their tranquil existence. The question of Noriko's marriage begins to surface, instigated by everyone important in her life—her father, her persistent aunt Masa Taguchi, and her well-meaning friend, Aya Kitagawa. But Noriko, attuned to her father's quirks and idiosyncrasies, cherishes her role as his caregiver and is reluctant to abandon it for marital life. Unyielding, Aunt Masa hatches a plan, arranging a promising suitor for Noriko while suggesting that her father is considering remarrying. This plot, designed to convince Noriko that her father can thrive without her, forces Noriko into a challenging predicament. Torn between societal expectations and the comfort of her present life, Noriko must grapple with the impending change and make a choice that could alter the course of her tranquil existence.

Late Spring is a drama movie featuring Chishū Ryū.

Late Spring is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Fandor, Fandor Amazon Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Late Spring on Amazon Video and Apple TV.