I've seen almost every Kurosawa's films, and I have to say this movie is not done in the same way.
Even this movie is humanist, not every humanist movie is a Kurosawa's film. There is no profoundness in Ame Agaru, nor the incredibles nature scenes Kurosawa knew how to do.
That's a simple story, without soul. Trying to include a lot of parts taken from previous films was a bad idea; this film is not crap, but I was hoping so much... I'm disillusioned.
It's because this is not Kurosawa's film.
shareIt was made in response to his death by most of his close friends. They decided to get the last script he worked on made.
A majority of the actors and crew had at some point worked with Kurosawa, and the director of this picture had been the assistant director to Kurosawa since a TV documentary he did under him in 1970, so had been with him on his films after Dodes'ka-den.
P.S.- This is what part of the alphabet would look like if Q and R were eliminated. - Mitch Hedburg
I havent been able to see this film yet, but I was curious: Did Kurosawa merely write the script for this, or did he get around to storyboarding it as well? I would say his elaborate preparations on the storyboards are one of the primary reasons his films were so consistently successful.
shareAme Agaru IS an Akira Kurosawa film. One written by Kurosawa, but not directed by him (as he died before he could film it himself).
The thing to remember about Kurosawa is that there is no one style of film that is a "Kurosawa film." He did police/crime movies (Stray Dog, High and Low), samurai movies (Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, Sanjuro), deeply personal dramas (Rashomon, Ikiru, Rhapsody in August), and epics (Kagemusha, Ran).
His movies could be ultra serious, or lighthearted. And usually even the most complex Kurosawa movie ultimately had a very simple theme. The only constant with Kurosawa was how meticulous he was as a filmmaker.
I hope to get the chance to see Ame Agaru on DVD - it looks like a great movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon.
The film is quite slow moving, and sort of impenetrable in many ways. Obviously the cast savored making another film together, and it had a feeling of some nostaligia. Shiro, Toshiro Mifune's son, had a good part in it and was a chip off the old block. I don't understand a lot that goes on in this film, like the relationship between the samurai and his wife. I very much enjoyed seeing Mieko Harada, although her part was so small. I haven't been able to catch many films featuring her, Ran was the best.
share[deleted]
I disagree with your comments...
This film oozes and drips the charisma of the master Kurosawa. The set pieces are wonderfully shot and the characters are warm and fleshed out in every detail.
As for not having any profoundness...A Samurai with sublime skill and a sublime personality, who could have the respect and the head of anyone he meets, yet chooses to spend his time, money and skill on helping beggars and prostitutes find a better life......This Story is almost Biblical in its profoundness.
I guess its a case of seeing the profane in the profound for some and the opposite for the lucky ones who saw the masters hand guiding the student in the making of this film.
Ihei Misawa is now up there with Sanjuro and Kansuke in my Ultimate list of Samurai heroes.
Watch this film!!
[deleted]
Thanks Bloke!
I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.
The movie deals with titanic issues in subtle ways.
For some, it could be life changing.
Few have mentioned the truly important issues of the film.
...What goes through the mind of the ultimate 'craftsman'
(does he remain true to his potential in spite of it causing jealousy?)
(How does one deal with ones employer who is technically inferior, but in a
position of authority over one... and how does one massage that ego.)
(Is it better to accept a lower position than 'live up to ones potential'?)
These, sadly, are issues that arise in the hearts of extremely talented
mid-career people who have lots of potential, but because of circumstance, are
not able to shine out as they were destined to do.
I believe Kurosawa felt much this way himself. He had a language barrier which
prevented him from ever becoming the truly great world-class director he obviously
had all the talent to become. He certainly could have used the backing of Holly-
wood money, producers, distribution, etc. I see heartrending attempts at this in
his partnership leading to 'Dodeskaden' or the effort with Richard Gere to reach
a world audience in 'August Rhapsody' or the eventual support of Hollywood
with 'Dreams' (was he so anxious to accept support, he used whatever was on
his plate at the time, fearing it would be too late if he took time to develop
a script?)
Ame Agaru is ultimately a Kurosawa film, it tells his life story.
Thanks Bloke!
I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.
The movie deals with titanic issues in subtle ways.
For some, it could be life changing.
Few have mentioned the truly important issues of the film.
...What goes through the mind of the ultimate 'craftsman'
(does he remain true to his potential in spite of it causing jealousy?)
(How does one deal with ones employer who is technically inferior, but in a
position of authority over one... and how does one massage that ego.)
(Is it better to accept a lower position than 'live up to ones potential'?)
These, sadly, are issues that arise in the hearts of extremely talented
mid-career people who have lots of potential, but because of circumstance, are
not able to shine out as they were destined to do.
I believe Kurosawa felt much this way himself. He had a language barrier which
prevented him from ever becoming the truly great world-class director he obviously
had all the talent to become. He certainly could have used the backing of Holly-
wood money, producers, distribution, etc. I see heartrending attempts at this in
his partnership leading to 'Dodeskaden' or the effort with Richard Gere to reach
a world audience in 'August Rhapsody' or the eventual support of Hollywood
with 'Dreams' (was he so anxious to accept support, he used whatever was on
his plate at the time, fearing it would be too late if he took time to develop
a script?)
Ame Agaru is ultimately a Kurosawa film, it tells his life story.