Red Beard - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: Meandering but Brilliant
Review: While not my favorite of Kurosawa's work Red Beard is THE best picture I have ever seen on human compassion. The story line trails out in several directions at times early on - mostly with the patients recollections of their personal tragedies - but admittidly the emotions of those stories are part of the films strength. Also the story of an arrogant young doctor stuck in helping the poor and sickest of all people comes off not only as a great tale of truth in helping the unfortunate but also an even more truthful tale of how life puts you in unlikely, and sometimes unwanted, situations that turn out to make ones life and others lives worth living.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: While the film is long, as many other reviewers have pointed out, it is not too long. It holds up, better than many contemporary American films with the same running time. This film wonderfully displays the silent grace and dignity Mifune plays so well. To see just how good he actually is, watch this, then watch Seven Samurai. His range is incredible. Every one of his characters is so different, all the way down to their walk. But, back to Red Beard. Like all Kurosawa films, there are some very memorable shots stylistically, and the acting is top-notch. There are many stories within the main plot, and they are all tied together very well. It isn't like a vignette piece. Each of the characters is related in one way or another. This is definitely an emotional tale, and made me feel for the characters and cheer for the compassion one human being can show to another. There isn't much humor here, like some of his other films, but it really isn't called for. If you come across the DVD from Mei-ah, do not buy it. The subtitles are horribly translated.