Just dismiss the review above without any thought, sure it can be a bit slow at times but its story, Ozu does a good job in this and many similar films that I've seen (Tokyo Story, An Autumn Afternoon) of detailing the characters with intellect, so you feel like you're a part of their world. It's just build up which is a part of good cinema, if the story/characters are interesting enough to keep it going what difference does it make? I'll admit to one thing the above said though, you could argue it's a little bit dated, it didn't make a difference for me though as the story is brilliant and Ozu like he always does, does a great job of conveying important messages and important characters into one very satisfying film. I have to also mention the acting is always brilliant in Ozu's films, Setsuko Hara is stunningly beautiful and you feel mesmerized by her like you do in so many other of Ozu's films, and Chishû Ryû always plays this fantastic calm presence with a bit of a boyish side but a caring one.
About a year ago Barry Norman had his top 100 films published in a paper. I watched as many as I could bear and eventually gave up. They were all like this. Desperately dated very slow and soporific. I don't mind an elegant film but it has to keep going.