EARLY SUMMER (1951)

Twenty-eight year-old Noriko lives in a nice house with her extended family which includes her mother and father, her brother, his wife and their two children.  Their days are totally normal: school, work, household chores, enjoying each others company.  It's pretty much a perfect life, but still her family and friends are worried about Noriko not being able to find a suitable husband.  Noriko's not worried though.  She's very happy in her current situation and doesn't seem to care if she ever gets married.

That is a very simplified version of the story, but unfortunately I have a very simplified brain.  I would love to be able to write long elegant paragraphs filled with beautiful sentences in the style of Flannery O'Connor or John Steinbeck that would create a tear in the corner of your eye, but sadly my little-bitty brain just can't do it.  So instead I'll simply say that EARLY SUMMER is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.  In every aspect it is perfect and I feel blessed that I have been able to enjoy it so many times over the years.

My highest recommendation.