Ichiban Utsukushiku Movie Review

Akira Kurosawa Films, Reviews No Responses »
Apr 032010

the_most_beauAlso known as ‘The Most Beautiful’. A film with social relevance. The plot was mainly focused on the struggle of the workers of a lens factory to meet the required quota during World War II. They strived very hard like hounds to exceed the needed target set by the factory’s directors. On the other hand, the climax of the story started when the head of the establishment failed to find the lens that had not been subjected to a proper fine – tuning process. Rechecking each lens, she had a clip of Japanese pilot fighters looking into the finished glass aiming their machine guns were being shown.

One particular high point in the movie happened, when an employee begged the employer to grant her request to return home, so she could attend to the needs of her sick father, following her mother’s demise. Unfortunately, her request was politely declined. It was because her sick mom then had told the girl’s employer to allow her to continue working in the establishment what ever happens. Second, the factory’s policies must be strictly enforced. Therefore, such requests will not be honored, so as not to break certain traditions.

As to my personal views about the film, those persons who assume managerial positions will definitely love this picture. Because they will learn while watching especially on how to manage effectively a certain business and its people. For those who did not have an idea of who Kurosawa was, he was a well – acclaimed Japanese maker who loved to create images he did films out of these imaginative concepts on his brilliant mind. Actually, this was his second directorial job, after the judo inspired film Sanshiro Sugata. Well, this film can be dubbed as the “People’s Movie” Because it was produced to stir the national fervor and interest for the Imperial war effort.

In addition, this movie tackled about youth idealism, a patriotic feeling that was so unyielding. Lastly, the willingness of anyone to do any form of sacrifice to fulfill the desired endeavor. Moreover, the film displayed the realities that the workers have to bear just to earn a meager sum of money to augment everyday needs. In summary, this film was fabulous and very oriented. This took Kurosawa to another route of cinematic excellence by applying a documentary like approach which I dearly appreciated.

Overall, this movie is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Posted by Angel Usher at 3:03 pm

Dora-Heita Japanese Movie Review

Akira Kurosawa Films, Reviews No Responses »
Apr 022010

dora_heitaSamurai Koheita Mochizuki, goes by a pseudonym of Dora – heita that means ‘alley cat” or playboy who pretended to be an alcoholic magistrate, but in reality, he was an envoy from the daimyo sent to clean up the corrupt and lawless town. As he was accomplishing his duties in that place, Dora – heita ‘s tasks were complicated by the presence of his mistress Kosei.

Concerning its storyline, it was I should say, solid enough. In addition, the lead actor Koji Yakusho, played his role perfectly, making the protagonist likable and credibly hardnosed. On the other hand, the supporting cast can be best described as good to an utterly mediocre. Meanwhile, the strongest sequences in the movie were those in the streets of Horisoto. It was the lead actor’s first visit to the slums I had considered this as the strongest because of its visual flair. To some extent, this film had many interesting things to show in order to keep the viewers glued to their seats but it never really coagulated with one another, to make itself as unified whole. First, there were certain problems with some of the comedy elements; Likewise with the characterization of Kosei. His characters felt that they were both shoehorned in the last minute because of the misguided fear factor which made me somewhat drowsy because the tone of the story was too serious in its tone. In truth and in fact, Kosei’s character can be omitted The reason? After I had seen the movie a thousand times over, I had come to realize that this girl has no connection or whatsoever to the thread of the story.

As regards to the city of Horisoto, it was depicted as in bad shape. It was full of gamblers. thieves, prostitutes, smugglers, drug addicts and Yakuza. At the core of this were the honchos, each of them controlled different facets of the underworld, especially the characters of bosses Taiju Saibei, and Nadahachi. The twist of the story was the challenge on the part of the lead character to clean up the city of these menaces knowing that he was an infamous drunkard, debauched samurai with unusual schemes. On the other hand, Dora – Heita was a slow but a well – corresponded samurai epic. This movie actually displayed one true sword fight which was spectacular and bombastic.

In general, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Posted by Angel Usher at 12:33 am

A look at Kagemusha - Film Review

Akira Kurosawa Films, Reviews No Responses »
Mar 282010

kagemushaAkira Kurosawa did it again. Yes, you heard it right; he had proven repeatedly that he was a genius in Japanese filmmaking of his time. This was through the film “Kagemusha”. This was base on a true story which was set on a feudal atmosphere in Japan, This movie was about a tale of the thief, tapped to impersonate a dead warlord to prevent his enemies from gaining control and supremacy of his territory. The movie began with a prologue in the 16th century Japan, were two warlords, Ieyesu and Nobunaga took on a third Shingen to rule the country. As this happened, Shingen had overtaken the two. However, a lucky sniper was able to get the chance to kill or not to kill the warlord.

While his adversaries were roaming all around the place, an injured Shingen had said that if he dies, his death must be kept a secret, for a span of three years. As for his enemies, they must be emboldened. The conflict had surfaced when the Shingen had given up the ghost; it was high time for his brother to cook up a plan in order to fulfill his wishes. Will he be able to make it without being caught? How will he do it?

In this latest film of Kurosawa, the well- acclaimed Japanese director had created the imagery of Kagemusha with such a perfect work of art by cleverly supporting the thematic aspect of the picture. Visually, the shadows were executed so realistically, especially in the sequence of a dead warlord in the person of Kagemusha. On the other hand, the crucifixion part was the best for me. The reason? It was done so magnificently without overbearing it. Likewise, the film had a so-called “catalytic effect” on some unforgettable images, of which I think was one of a kind. Only Kurosawa can flawlessly do those kinds of “cinematic wonders and magic” .

With respect to its pacing, it had too many long interludes. Nevertheless, it was still worth the wait. In addition, the performance of the lead actor was very impressive and excellent. It was because of the fact that Kurosawa was able to produce two incisive characters, as he aghastly mimics the other. Further, what astonished me ore was his acting opposite himself. It was something unforgettable. However, the battle scenes were lethargic.

Overall, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Posted by Angel Usher at 12:01 am

Red Beard - Classic Japanese movie Review

Akira Kurosawa Films, Reviews No Responses »
Mar 272010

red_beardThis Akira Kurosawa film tells us a story about a tumultuous relationship between an arrogant doctor and a compassionate clinic director. This movie starred Toshiro Mifune, a favorite of Kurosawa. to be with in all his movies. However, this was his last project for the guru of Japanese films. As a result, he gave a powerful performance; perhaps, to make it memorable. His role in this particular movie was a dignified and an emphatic clinical director who patiently guides his pupils towards maturity. Meanwhile, he also taught his inhuman intern to understand the lives of his poor patients This movie will definitely capture your heart if you watch it with a sensitive human spirit. Moreover, Kurosawa’s fascinating weaves of tapestry in terms of time and place, made this film truly unforgettable.

When I saw The Red Beard, I cannot say personally that I readily appreciated it. Nevertheless, the reputation of the well- known director enticed me to look at it in a much objective and fair viewpoint. It was a compelling dramatic saga, which used all its running time efficiently and with an in depth- sense. Moreover, it featured a simple; yet. an interesting plot. It highlighted a young doctor named Yasumoto who had come to a rundown clinic in a poor village against his volition. Forced to work under the supervision of a person known as the “Red Beard”, Yasumoto declined the assignment and the worst of it all, this obstinate character refused to cooperate with his co – workers and to follow job policies. However, as time went by, he began to reconsider and had a nice work attitude; Therefore, beginning to appreciate the work environment and the clientele. In this project, Kurosawa began to become a crowd drawer due to his outstanding remodeling of the basic story. Amazingly, he never stuck to the melodramatic concepts of the film. Instead, he treated the subject matter and the characters behind the flick in a calm and nice manner.

red_beard_A

It was loaded with several issues. First, from the way a society had treated the less – privileged, the maturity of Yasumoto. In other words, the flick remained to be a low profile; Nevertheless, its issues were perfectly mixed and matched. The character growth was concise and very believable. From a bratty to a caring person. Likewise, the narrative was so effortlessly made.

Overall, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Posted by Boingo at 2:41 am
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