It was a very close call, one of the more difficult ones I've made on a list. I believe Rashomon is a bit tighter, with each frame counting toward the overall effect of the film, and it manages to portray some concepts that are very difficult to bring to life on the screen without growing preachy. Both films are fantastic, but I gave the slight edge to the tight moralty tale over the longer, epic film. I love both very much, and I wouldn't be surprised if I reversed myself here over time.
Yes indeed. What a career! I recently rewatched The Seven Samaurai and was blown away again. Definitely an all-time favorite. Based on that, I probably owe Rashoman a rewatch as well.
Yes you are missing a lot if you haven't seen Ikiru yet - a great humanist tale that Kurosawa revisited with his last movie (the one about the retiring teacher). Also, though they wouldn't make the top five, Stray Dog, High & Low, and even
Red Beard (!) are key films to me. The latter is a quirky selection, its production was a disaster of indecision that led to Mifune's break with Kurosawa and the latter's subsequent suicide attempt! Oh and what about Dersu Uzala....
I have to add that although High and Low did not quite make this list, it is a pretty unique and terrific entry in the master's body of work that is worth searching out!
I'm somewhat surprised to see Rashomon beat out The Seven Samauri. This must have been a close call. Your reasons?
It was a very close call, one of the more difficult ones I've made on a list. I believe Rashomon is a bit tighter, with each frame counting toward the overall effect of the film, and it manages to portray some concepts that are very difficult to bring to life on the screen without growing preachy. Both films are fantastic, but I gave the slight edge to the tight moralty tale over the longer, epic film. I love both very much, and I wouldn't be surprised if I reversed myself here over time.
Great films, eh?
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Yes indeed. What a career! I recently rewatched The Seven Samaurai and was blown away again. Definitely an all-time favorite. Based on that, I probably owe Rashoman a rewatch as well.
And I no doubt owe The Seven Samurai another viewing soon!
Akira was truly one of the masters, and it is too bad that he is often left off of many of the greatest directors lists I have seen lately.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Yes you are missing a lot if you haven't seen Ikiru yet - a great humanist tale that Kurosawa revisited with his last movie (the one about the retiring teacher). Also, though they wouldn't make the top five, Stray Dog, High & Low, and even
Red Beard (!) are key films to me. The latter is a quirky selection, its production was a disaster of indecision that led to Mifune's break with Kurosawa and the latter's subsequent suicide attempt! Oh and what about Dersu Uzala....
Cool list.
I have seen 4 of 5 and agree (so far) on the rankings. Rashomon is indeed terrific.
Thanks!
I have to add that although High and Low did not quite make this list, it is a pretty unique and terrific entry in the master's body of work that is worth searching out!
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
My top 5
1) Ikiru
2) No Regrets For Our Youth
3) Red Beard
4) High and Low
5) Yojimbo
It's cool to see Rashomon on top there, instead of the great, but highly overrated Seven Samurai.
Rashomon's my favourite
Thanks!
I like ol' Seven Samurai, but yes, it is terribly over-rated by many, especially compared with Rashomon or Ran...
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Well, I personally didn't like Ran very much
But maybe that's because it's been so long since I've seen it. It was my first Kurosawa film.
Maybe I should give it another chance
Yeah, if you dig the director, Ran might be worth another shot.
I've always liked the film, but I caught it on the big screen a few years ago, and my appreciation rocketed!
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs