Waves of the Ocean

[Midori Sanchez]

Difference in generations. 

While we may view Asians and Japanese as "seen but not heard", we learned yesterday that Korean women (especially older generations) are actually more feisty. This is also evident in Ozu's film "Banshyu" with Noriko's aunt in trying to pursue her mission to ensure that Noriko is married off. When she interacts with Noriko, her heart is in the right place but the difference in generation to make sure that young women are married is still one that creates discomfort. 

The universality that Professor Yasar mentioned was one I recognized from the reading about "Tokyo Story" and "Early Summer" with the loss of young men during war and war's ability to destroy families, but I also reognized the universality in "Late Spring" of being a young, unmarried woman living in the United States. Conversations that seem to come up with my family and even my students revolved around whether I am married or planning on getting married rather than more of my pursuits with my education or my career. Also, whether or not I would change my name if I did choose to get married. While I am living in the 21st century and a different country, I can empathize with Noriko at her world's expectations of marriage.