- directed by Akira Kurosawa
Set in 19th Century Japan, Red Beard documents the tumultuous relationship between a seasoned doctor and his reluctant intern. Unwilling to submit to Red Beard's (Dr. Niide, played by Toshiro Mifune) rules and methods of care, the young intern, Dr. Yasumoto (played by Yuzo Kayama) does everything he can to get ousted from the meager facility and return to his life of luxury serving as the personal doctor to the Shogunate. However, Red Beard won't make that an easy task. Held "prisoner" under Red Beard's supervision, Yasumoto begins to learn that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Red Beard, his facility and the patients within...
And so all good things must come to an end. :( Long time Kurosawa-collaborator, Toshiro Mifune gives his farewell performance as the stern Dr. Niide. in Red Beard. And what a performance it is! Perhaps Mifune's best, which should excite any Kurosawa fan. His performance aside, Red Beard is one of Kurosawa's greatest ensemble features. While each character isn't developed to their fullest throughout the film, there's enough there to drive home a great meditation on humanity, loss and redemption. Certainly not a medical film, Red Beard is all about heart and humanity. Happy hearts and tortured souls. The hospital and doctors serve as a perfect metaphor for individual understanding, acceptance and compassion in the face of ignorance, intolerance and cruelty.
8/10 While it's hard to articulate, this is a great film with loads of heart. Objectively, it's beautifully scored, shot and performed. If you're in the mood for a classic drama this is the film for you.
DS333, pondering
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