I wonder what I shall write on this.
most ppl think watching foreign movies is a) yawn b) pretentious c) too much exercise as you have to read subtitles at the same time as watching d) a waste, since none of your friends are interested and you cant discuss it with them without getting bad nicknames e) only for arty-farty types
stories, however, are universal. human nature, which is the subject of study in most Kurosawamovies (Akira Kurosawa is the Satyajit Ray of Japan, for those new to this), turns out to be very universal. And Kurosawais a master director, an early pioneer, whose novel moviemaking was copied by many western movies.
you'll find yourself drawn to the simple characters, gripping storylines, and deceptively easy style of narrative, which often covers very powerful thoughts and ideas.
moreover, once you've seen one Kurosawa film, it becomes easier to see others from him - Folk tales are used as the plotline, and the same actors appear in many films. many share the setting of feudal Japan, when local overlords, and their samurais (warriors) ruled small groups of villages. Power shifts from one leader to another were common, and it was a time of upheaval. a bit like the wild west, where law was the law of the jungle, and yet there was a strict code of conduct for various classes.
Sanjuro's theme is simple - things are not what they appear on the surface.
we first see a band of 9 warriors debating on a dilemma - they have discovered corruption within their ranks, and must decide which one of their leaders, the Chamberlain or the Superintendent who is under him, is corrupt. they meet both privately, and are inclined to trust the man who has the more pleasing and impressive personality.
A lone samurai Sanjuroresting nearby overhears them - and comes to their rescue.
a master strategist, he constantly aids them in outwitting their enemies, and outing the corrupt one. it is often a battle where mind must prevail, for they are outnumbered by the corrupt one's supporters, and their leader is no less shrewd. what follows is as absorbing as a chess game between two grandmasters, where each counter the other's move with ingenious tactics.
Toshiro Mifune, whom you will see in many Kurosawa films as central character, plays Sanjuro - the eccentric, unpredictable, wily jackal of a strategist whose appearance is unimpressive, and so he's often underestimated, and his ideas usually rejected at first, until his supporters realize he's ahead of the game. The main characters are played by well known actors in japanese cinema, so they hold your attention, but the side actors's performances are often basic. still, this story, which has the feel of a panchatantra story, or game of wits, will keep you on the edge of your seats.
put aside your reluctance, and watch one of these Kurasawas. its nothing to do with being fashionable, or hi-fi taste. its just plain and simple good cinema. you dont need any more skills to watch it than any hindi movie. and these videos are now becoming popular even at your local video pirate's palace.
plot revealed - yes
best to watch with - people of open minds, whoever they are
movie genre - the 'good 'genre - is that enuf for you?
best part in the movie - all scenes with Mifune
(amor does not own any video pirates palace - she just loves to share with u the things that make her eyes shine with enthu )
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