Ozu had a very high regard for Hara's work. He said, "Every Japanese actor can play the role of a soldier and every Japanese actress can play the role of a prostitute to some extent. However, it is rare to find an actress Hara who can play the role of a daughter from a good family." Speaking of her performance in "Early Summer", he was quoted as saying, "Setsuko Hara is a really good actress. I wish I had four or five more like her."