Criterion: The Sword of Doom (***) doesn’t land flush
A weak third act tears down the momentum of what could be a classic film.
Criterion: High and Low (****) Parasite from the age of the morality play
The director’s master of wide screen is such an art by this point that it feels like an entirely different story is being told for long, wordless passages.
Criterion: Muhomatsu, the Rickshaw Man (****) – Life in your own lane
See this film if you want to smile, but don’t expect to go away with the idea that stoicism is easy. Even if Mifune makes it seem that way.
Criterion: Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – is giant
Musashi’s presence is undeniable as the burgeoning samurai. His is one of the giant characters in episodic history, every bit worth the value of the legend he represents.
Criterion: I Live In Fear (*****) has reason on all sides
Kurosawa, Shimura and Mifune by this point are in full swing. There is nothing in the world that matches their ability to relay a story.
Criterion: Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (****) begins a great adventure
This is definitely a star turn for Mifune, if there ever was one. His performance is exceptional and layered.
Criterion: Scandal (***1/2) – Shimura steals the show
This is good Kurosawa, brought up by a great Shimura and steadied by Mifune.
Criterion: Wedding Ring (***) the doctor always rings twice
For those who are looking to enjoy the development of Mifune as a lead actor, this is worth watching.
Criterion: Drunken Angel (****) is a stunning look at postwar Japan
Drunken Angel is a flawed, but brilliant first film by one of the world’s greatest directors. Knowing he is this good when he started out makes me hopeful for a future I already know.
Criterion: Hopscotch(****) A nice way to retire
Hopscotch is a slower version of Smokey and the Bandit, where more miles are travelled offscreen.
Criterion: 8 1/2 is a critic’s dream / director’s nightmare
As if a critic knows what’s worth creating. “To learn silence,” indeed.
