What Did the Lady Forget?

Yasujiro Ozu puts a witty spin on his recurring theme of generational clash in this sophisticated comedy, which bears the unmistakable influence of Ernst Lubitsch. When modern, liberated Setsuko (Michiko Kuwano) visits her meek uncle Komiya (Tatsuo Saito), it’s not long before she sets about meddling in his relationship with his domineering socialite wife (Sumiko Kurishima), turning the gender dynamics in the household upside down. Gently satirizing the affectations of Japan’s upper class, Ozu crafts one of his brightest and lightest works.