This was Toshiro Mifune's first film with Akira Kurosawa, and only his fourth film in his career. he was so young that it was hard to recognize him, even though he was second billed and essential to the story.
The star of this film was Takashi Shimura, who would go on to earn two BAFTA nominations. He was a doctor who was famous for his ability to treat TB patients, but he was also a slave to alcohol. It didn't affect his work much, but he really looked the part of a drunk.
What was even better was his ability to get to the root of problems. The idea that we do some really stupid things recurred throughout, starting with himself. he lived fast and hard as a young man, and it is telling on him now.
We also see his assistant vacillating between giving her man another chance now that he is out of prison, even thoug he mistreated her shamefully. The Doctor (Shimura) is livid with her for even considering it. She hates hime for what he did, but wants to see if he has changed. You can imagine the rage of the doctor at that! The main part of the story involves Toshiro Mifune, as a Yakuza leader, who has TB. He refuses to cooperate in his treatment and this again makes the doctor furious. He cannot understand why he won't make the necessary sacrifices to save his life.
One of the most fascinating features in the movie was seeing Shizuko Kasagi (Delinquent Girl Boss: Worthless to Confess), as a singer in the dance hall. She reminded me of Cab Calloway in her singing. This was obviously due to the influence of the Americans occupying Japan.
Kirosawa certainly gave us a glimpse of great things to come with this film.
The star of this film was Takashi Shimura, who would go on to earn two BAFTA nominations. He was a doctor who was famous for his ability to treat TB patients, but he was also a slave to alcohol. It didn't affect his work much, but he really looked the part of a drunk.
What was even better was his ability to get to the root of problems. The idea that we do some really stupid things recurred throughout, starting with himself. he lived fast and hard as a young man, and it is telling on him now.
We also see his assistant vacillating between giving her man another chance now that he is out of prison, even thoug he mistreated her shamefully. The Doctor (Shimura) is livid with her for even considering it. She hates hime for what he did, but wants to see if he has changed. You can imagine the rage of the doctor at that! The main part of the story involves Toshiro Mifune, as a Yakuza leader, who has TB. He refuses to cooperate in his treatment and this again makes the doctor furious. He cannot understand why he won't make the necessary sacrifices to save his life.
One of the most fascinating features in the movie was seeing Shizuko Kasagi (Delinquent Girl Boss: Worthless to Confess), as a singer in the dance hall. She reminded me of Cab Calloway in her singing. This was obviously due to the influence of the Americans occupying Japan.
Kirosawa certainly gave us a glimpse of great things to come with this film.