The Humanistic Cinema of Akira Kurosawa

Summary

This video script celebrates Akira Kurosawa's profound influence on cinema, highlighting his signature use of movement and thematic exploration of human vulnerability and the quest for happiness. Kurosawa's films, spanning various genres, are characterized by their visual style and deep humanism, often depicting characters confronting mortality, deception, and self-deception. The script delves into the director's portrayal of a world in constant flux, urging viewers to find harmony and meaning amidst life's uncertainties, and is brought to viewers by MUBI, an online cinema offering a curated selection of exceptional films.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Akira Kurosawa is celebrated as an influential filmmaker with a diverse body of work spanning various genres and settings.
• 🌏 Kurosawa drew inspiration from global sources, including Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, and Hollywood director John Ford, reflecting a wide range of cultural influences.
• 🌀 A defining characteristic of Kurosawa's style is the use of movement in storytelling, including nature, characters, groups, objects, and the camera itself.
• 📸 Kurosawa's films are known for their visual style, combining long lenses, intensity, and slow-motion to create a dramatic and emotionally impactful experience.
• 🎼 Director Sidney Lumet likened Kurosawa's work to Beethoven, highlighting the full and unmistakable sound that characterizes his films.
• 🌟 Kurosawa's films have inspired numerous movies and even a video game, demonstrating their enduring impact on the cinematic landscape.
• 🤔 Kurosawa's central thematic question is 'Why can’t people be happier together?', which he explores through various narratives and character dynamics.
• 🏞️ The films often depict a world in constant motion, reflecting the transience of life and the struggle against the forces of nature and mortality.
• 🕊️ Kurosawa's characters frequently grapple with their own self-image and the conflict between their beliefs and the reality of the world around them.
• 🔍 The theme of truth and deception is prevalent in Kurosawa's work, with Rashomon exemplifying the complexity of truth and the unreliability of human perception.
• 🌳 Kurosawa's films suggest that happiness and harmony can be achieved by embracing change and the natural world, rather than resisting it.

Q & A

Who is MUBI and what do they offer?

MUBI is an online cinema streaming service that offers a curated selection of exceptional films from around the globe. They provide a new film every day, including timeless classics, cult favorites, and acclaimed masterpieces, and offer a free trial for new subscribers through the link MUBI.com/likestoriesofold.

What is Akira Kurosawa's contribution to the history of cinema?

Akira Kurosawa is considered one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. He is known for his work spanning various settings and genres, with a signature style that includes the use of movement in storytelling, and has inspired countless films and even a video game dedicated to his name.

What are some of the literary and cinematic influences on Kurosawa's work?

Kurosawa's work has been influenced by a variety of sources including the history of Japan, Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, and Hollywood director John Ford. His films often adapt and reinterpret these influences within his unique cinematic vision.

How does Kurosawa use movement in his storytelling?

Kurosawa incorporates movement in various forms such as the movement of nature, characters, groups, objects, scenery, and the camera. He also uses long lenses to enhance the sensation of movement and combines moments of intensity with slow-motion to emphasize drama and emotional weight.

What is the central theme or question that Kurosawa explores in his films?

The central theme that Kurosawa explores in his films is encapsulated in the question: 'Why can’t people be happier together?' This theme is reflected in the conflicts and struggles of his characters as they confront their own mortality, deception, and the search for truth and trust.

How does Kurosawa present the world or universe in which his characters live?

Kurosawa presents a world characterized by eternal movement, including elements like rain, snow, wind, dust, fire, and water. This world is greater than the characters themselves, evoking a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty about their survival and the stability of their identities.

What role does the concept of time play in Kurosawa's films?

Time in Kurosawa's films is a powerful force that contributes to the characters' struggles. It is often represented through the changing world, the passing of eras, and the confrontation with mortality, as seen in films like 'Dersu Uzala' and 'Rhapsody in August'.

How does Kurosawa address the issue of truth and deception in his films?

Kurosawa addresses truth and deception by showing how lies and self-deception play major roles in the conflicts of his characters. Films like 'Rashomon' and 'The Bad Sleep Well' highlight the destructive consequences of deception and the difficulty of ascertaining the truth.

What is the significance of the mentor figures in Kurosawa's films?

Mentor figures in Kurosawa's films serve as guides that help the protagonists break out of their self-imposed limitations and move towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life. They represent higher principles of justice and the potential for happiness and harmony.

How does Kurosawa suggest we can overcome the unhappiness and disconnection in our lives?

Kurosawa suggests that we can overcome unhappiness and disconnection by acknowledging our attachments, looking past them, and finding ways to connect with a deeper essence within ourselves. He shows that despite the harshness of the world, we can find meaning and work towards something that fulfills us.

What is the connection between Kurosawa's passion for filmmaking and his films' messages?

Kurosawa's deep passion for filmmaking is reflected in the messages of his films, which often communicate the importance of embracing change, finding harmony, and trusting in the power of human connection and conscience.