Before he died Akira Kurosawa finished work on a script for a film called AFTER THE RAIN (Ame Agaru). His family brought the script to one of his assistants and asked him to make the movie.
Having seen the completed film I would argue that its one of the greatest films that Kurosawa ever had a hand in making, but that its one film that would have been very different had he directed it himself. The feel of the film is very different from any other Kurosawa film I've seen.
The plot of the film is simple, a ronin samuari waits at an inn with his wife first for the rain to end, and then for the river to go down enough so that he can cross it and continue on his way.
Thats it. Thats the thread-bare plot. And yes other things happen as the samuari meets people but its nothing that I can describe in anyway that would truly explain the magic that is in the film. What ever I told you beyond that would no doubt lead you to believe its something else and if I gave it a straight explaination you'd think you'd be bored silly...when in fact you would probably like me sitting there watching the film with a big ass smile on your face thinking its one of the most charming films ever made.
I love this movie.
This is an Iaido movie that features a view of admirable character.
ReplyDeleteIt's about the Perfection of Character sought by martial artists; Misawa's is the only perfect one among them, although Shigeaki is working on his and understands where he goes wrong.
It's about the pleasure lady overcoming her temper outburst, too; and the same with the old man she attacked.
Drink a good batch of O-Sake, enjoy some Sushi, and watch this one when you are in a serene mood. Even the fighting is perfection; Misawa shows the relaxed attitude of a consummate master almost the entire time.
The nature shots are so very well done; and add to the mood of the movie considerably. The fake rain over the Inn during the beginning is about the only flaw you need to overlook.
Iaido practitioners will love this film. Others might not understand it.
Concepts are lost in translation, but what can you do?