Late Spring Directed by Yasujiro Ozu. DVD, B&W, 108 mins., 1949. Also includes Tokyo-Ga, directed by Wim Wenders. DVD, color and B&W, 92 mins., 1985. A Criterion Collection release, distributed by Image Entertainment, www.image-entertainment.com. In the context of Yasujiro Ozu's impressive oeuvre,...

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A 12-term Republican member of Congress said Friday he won't run for re-election, and officials in Wyoming expect a similar announcement Saturday from a seven-term GOP congresswoman.Rep. Jim Saxton of New Jersey is the 14th House Republicans to retire since the GOP lost its majority...

The Pentagon plans to extend its buildup of several thousand combat troops in Afghanistan, initially announced as lasting until late spring, well into next year, a senior U.S. military official said Friday.The move comes as U.S. and allied commanders anticipate a renewed offensive this spring...

It is possibly risky to say, but the chief reward in Late Spring is not in its materials, gratifying though they are. The highest benefit—as in Tokyo Story, though less strong—is appreciation of the artist himself. One is moved by a great deal in the film, but the ultimate and most moving of responses is one's regard for Ozu. This is in no way due to exhibitionism; most certainly it's not because of virtuosity à la Fellini. It's because everything in an Ozu film der...