Red Beard
Directed by Akira Kurosawa. Japan. 1965. NR. 185 min.
- Sun, Sep 26, 2:00 pm
Presented on 35mm.
Red Beard is a film about humanity and healing. A young intern, Dr. Noboru Yasumoto, (Yuzo Kayama) has been trained in modern methods in Nagasaki and wishes to become the doctor for a prominent family. He is sent instead to a small public clinic to work under the older, well known Dr. Kyojo Niide (Toshiro Mifune). The young doctor is deeply resentful, but the older man gradually involves him in the daily life of the clinic, changing him for the better. Kurosawa uses all of his skill to bring to life a story with deeply felt emotion and understanding of the human condition. It’s also an amazing turn for Toshiro Mifune. Even though Mifune won several awards for his acting in this picture, the rumors are that disagreements over his performance were the key reason Kurosawa never worked on a film with him again. (Ted The Fiddler)