This film takes place at an inn in Japan in summer where people are going for rest and relaxation. Basically, the film is about Mr. Nanmura, who is played by the great actor Chishu Ryu, looking much younger than he usually does in Ozu films. While in the hot springs, he is injured in the foot after stepping on an ornamental hairpin. The owner of the hairpin is Emi, who comes back to the inn to apologize. The men there wonder if she is beautiful. She arrives. She is played by Kinuyo Tanaka, the great actress who is best known for her roles in Kenji Mizoguchi films and was indeed beautiful. She stays at the inn and a relationship blossoms between Emi and Mr. Nanmura. Will it last? I have never seen a movie from this director, as outside of Japan he is not as well known as Kurosawa, Naruse and the aforementioned Ozu and Mizoguchi. However, he does a great job here moving the story along. You want to know what happens. The pairing of Chishu Ryu and Kinuyo Tanaka is a dream one, they are excellent in this film. The film is subtle but compelling. This film is being sold as part of a four DVD box of the director's film, and this was the first one I watched. Based on this film alone it was money well spent.
Review of Ornamental Hairpin
