Chicago Tribune

Regarded in Japan as one of Ozu's masterworks, Early Summer is another tale of a dutiful daughter, Noriko (again played by Setsuko Hara), the machinations around her marriage and the quiet havoc it wreaks in her family. [17 Apr 2009, p.C4]

Los Angeles Times by Michael Wilmington

Once again, Ozu's script, co-written with constant colleague Kogo Noda, is a marvel of organic detail and deceptive naturalism. Ozu's late style -- the serene, easy flow, the smooth succession of floor-level interior shots, the quietly restrained acting, the mastery of intimate psychology and the subtle portrayal of Japanese society in transition -- are all in place. [24 Mar 1989, p.23]

Chicago Tribune by Staff (Not Credited)

Regarded in Japan as one of Ozu's masterworks, Early Summer is another tale of a dutiful daughter, Noriko (again played by Setsuko Hara), the machinations around her marriage and the quiet havoc it wreaks in her family. [17 Apr 2009, p.C4]

Screen Rant

Ozu plays with the positives and negatives of being married and being single in postwar Japan, at a time when women began to have more agency in their lives.

Screen Rant by Lana Jensen

Ozu plays with the positives and negatives of being married and being single in postwar Japan, at a time when women began to have more agency in their lives.

Observer

Ozu never moves his camera but invariably moves us. [05 Dec 2004, p.13]

Observer by Philip French

Ozu never moves his camera but invariably moves us. [05 Dec 2004, p.13]

Time Out by Geoff Andrew

The camera is surprisingly mobile at times, but what really impresses is the use of omission and repetition.