I found a surprising amount of wry humor in this film

I was surprised at some of the wry humor that Kurosawa sprinkled throughout this film. In spite of the little vignettes taking place against a very pathetic, almost sordid, backdrop of horribly poor and downtrodden people, I didn't find this film as depressing or tragic as it could have been.

Just one example: the thief politely being given money - and then asked to come back later for even more money.

Oh, and then there was the guy, Mr. Shima, with the weird walk and the facial spasms... I couldn't help but think of that old Monty Python sketch, "The Ministry of Silly Walks."

Lots of other examples.... I almost got the feeling that Kurosawa was subtly toying with the audience, and having a good chuckle over it.


Don't mess with me, man! I know karate, judo, ju-jitsu..... and several other Japanese words.