Two Line Reviews - #383

Movie: Akahige (or) Red Beard (Japanese,1965)

Plot: A doctor is forced to join the clinic of another chief doc who happens to be as arrogant and straightforward as he is talented. The film traces how, through saving patients, the new doctor learns to respect his mentor to such an extent that he wishes to emulate him sacrificing his worldly pleasures.

What Works?

• Another Akira Kurosawa-Toshiro Mifune combine! Not the best of the lot but certainly one worth a watch!
• There is something that connects AK and medicine. Here, he pays tribute to the service that doctors offer to the downtrodden in a special way.
• The stories of the lonely woman, the betrayed soft man, the insulted lady etc. succeed in delivering the emotions!

What Doesn't?
The length of the film is a probable deterrent. There are not many branches in the story resulting in a few 'yawn' moments.

Not Magical, but watch-worthy for sure.

Two Line Reviews - #357

Movie: Hakuchi (or) The Idiot (Japanese, 1951)

Plot: A man who gets reprieve when he's at the cusp of capital punishment considers it a reincarnation decides to be as kind as he could be to everyone. His naivety and innocence make him get tagged as 'an idiot'. Only to two ladies does he seem the best. They love and loath him, one of his companions marries one of those ladies. It's complex trouble all the way in a triangular possessive game.

Highlights:

• This Kurosawa translation of the Dostoevsky novel is as complex a drama as I have seen; It's a cut version I gather and so the magic is not in full-flow.
• The guy who plays Kameda,the idiot has been aptly chosen for the role; Toshiro Mifune,as the thug, happily plays second-fiddle only to terrorise at the end!
• The contrast in the two lady characters who adore the idiot - Ayako & Nasu - has been explained brilliantly in the scene where they face each other - Classic scene!
• Background score, camerawork and editing departments impress making this another high-quality Kurosawa product.

A Complex cob-web of feelings!

Two Line Reviews - #353

Movie: Yoidore tenshi (or) Drunken Angel (Japanese,1948)

Plot: A drunkard doctor who gives personal importance to his patients' health gets a hoodlum for a TB Patient. The doctor's frank ways embarrass the thug and he responds with reluctance to the treatment. When health gets to more worrisome levels, he realises the mirage that the thug world is about.

Highlights:

• Akira Kurosawa after quite some time but the admiration stays where it was. Another brilliant narration of contrasting but respectable characters.
• Veteran Takashi Shimura revels in the hyper role Kurosawa tailors for him and Toshiro Mifune impresses with his gradual make-over.
• Music of Fumio Hayasaka is grand as ever.
• AK's symbolisms with the stagnant pond, angel toy, candy seeking girl etc. are marks of true brilliance.

Ode to human willpower!