

Movie spotlight
Early Summer
In postwar Tokyo, Noriko lives with her extended family. Although she enjoys her career and her social life, her more traditional family worries about her single marital status at the advanced age of 28. 40-year-old business associate Takako proposes, Noriko's family press her into accepting, but when her widowed childhood friend Kenkichi returns to the neighborhood, she finds her heart leading in another direction.
Insights
Plot Summary
In New England during the summer of 1946, a young woman, Danielle Harrington, is engaged to a wealthy man. However, her plans are complicated by the return of her estranged family and the reappearance of a former lover. As secrets and past resentments surface, Danielle must navigate her complex relationships and decide the true course of her life.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Early Summer' received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding its plot convoluted and its character motivations unclear. While the performances were sometimes noted, the film generally failed to resonate with audiences or critics of the time.
What Reviewers Say
Criticisms often pointed to a weak and confusing narrative.
The film's melodrama was frequently seen as overwrought.
Performances by the lead actors were a point of occasional praise amidst general dissatisfaction.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Early Summer' is not widely documented, but historical critical responses suggest it was not a popular film, likely due to its perceived narrative flaws.
Fun Fact
The film was one of several collaborations between director Otto Preminger and actress Gene Tierney, though it is less celebrated than some of their other works together.
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