It does run too close to crossing this line. Whether it does crose it, and whether it has other strong redeaming values - is left up to you to decide, but a masterpiece by any standard.Some **incredibly** strong scenery by the master, and his typical third party story telling is profound, even if slightly tredious at times. The girl story is easily the strongest in its simplicity, and speaks at several levels.
Mifune is in his usual best, in each of his gestures, poses, laconic words and powerful facial expressions.
The basic story is something that lends itself to deep criticism. An arrogant young man suddenly becoming involved, caring and kind through his contact with people more modest and human than he is. This has been told thousands of times, and one would make a mistake by concentrating on it.
For it is nothing but a vehicle, a vehicle that Kurosawa skillfully drives through the shallow waters of his many subplots to nearly perfect finale.
An absolute must for anyone navigating his way through the land of serious movies.
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Topic - Red Beard - too corny to your taste? - Victor Khomenko 19:28:30 03/06/05 (4)
- Speaking of Kurosawa - ToshiroMeyers 03:34:59 03/07/05 (3)
- How about High and Low? Definitely one of my K favs. nt - tinear 05:06:20 03/07/05 (1)
- Excellent Film - Bad Sleep Well in the same vein - ToshiroMeyers 05:22:37 03/07/05 (0)
- Re: Speaking of Kurosawa - patrickU 04:38:24 03/07/05 (0)