This film could easily earn a place up there on the top of my favorite Kurosawa's films; I really was not expecting such a wonderfully portrayed story, but I guess I should no longer doubt Kurosawa, as he never ceases to surprise me.
The story centers on the life of doctor Kyoji (enacted by Great Toshiro Mifune), who accidentally contracts Syphilis from one of his operation tools covered in infected blood of a patient undergoing an operation, in which he was taking part. That incident would bring nothing more than misfortune and profound despair to his life, for he would restrain from doing that which he longed for; being alongside the woman he loved. In a few words, this is really a captivating yet sad story of a man suffering in deep silence who, in order to not make the life of the woman miserable, decides not to explain to her that which had befallen him, for he thought that would slowly conduce her towards renouncing him.
The acting is astounding and it is actually one of the most important aspects of the film. Toshiro Mifune, with the obvious help of his amazing acting skills, executes his role superbly, in that the suffering of the man seems truthful. Also, in one of the last scenes, where he lets the woman go to her wedding, his so steady attitude suddenly falls into absolute despair, bringing all his deep burdens to light, proof that even the most determined person has their limits.
The camera-work, just as I expected, is of great importance to the portrayal of the film, it is always in the right place to catch those expressive moments that are so essential to it.
I definitely consider this film to be as important to Kurosawa's filmography as many of his other films are. The film deserves a watch.
My Score: 9.3/10
The story centers on the life of doctor Kyoji (enacted by Great Toshiro Mifune), who accidentally contracts Syphilis from one of his operation tools covered in infected blood of a patient undergoing an operation, in which he was taking part. That incident would bring nothing more than misfortune and profound despair to his life, for he would restrain from doing that which he longed for; being alongside the woman he loved. In a few words, this is really a captivating yet sad story of a man suffering in deep silence who, in order to not make the life of the woman miserable, decides not to explain to her that which had befallen him, for he thought that would slowly conduce her towards renouncing him.
The acting is astounding and it is actually one of the most important aspects of the film. Toshiro Mifune, with the obvious help of his amazing acting skills, executes his role superbly, in that the suffering of the man seems truthful. Also, in one of the last scenes, where he lets the woman go to her wedding, his so steady attitude suddenly falls into absolute despair, bringing all his deep burdens to light, proof that even the most determined person has their limits.
The camera-work, just as I expected, is of great importance to the portrayal of the film, it is always in the right place to catch those expressive moments that are so essential to it.
I definitely consider this film to be as important to Kurosawa's filmography as many of his other films are. The film deserves a watch.
My Score: 9.3/10