Ikiru (1952)
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Takashi Shimura, Shin’ichi Himori, Minoru Chiaki
Rated: NR (Suggested PG-13 for Some Thematic Elements)
Running Time: 2 h 23 m
TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5
STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Structure
WEAKNESSES: -
An aging bureaucrat reexamines his life after discovering he has terminal stomach cancer.
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The Bad Sleep Well (1960)
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Masayuki Mori, Kyoko Kagawa
Running Time: 2h 31m
Rated: NR (best guess, PG)
TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5 (I liked it)
STRENGTHS: Character Development, Theme
WEAKNESSES: Pacing
Everyone knows that something corrupt is going on at Public Land Corporation, all they need is a whistle blower. As mysterious disappearances, ghostly apparitions, and bold accusations are levied at the heads of the company, will any of them submit to disgrace and turn the rest in, or will they continue to honorably kill themselves to hide their shame and save face for their superiors?
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Seven Samurai (1954)
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima
Running Time: 3h 27m
Rated: NR (best guess, R)
TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5
STRENGTHS: Character Development, Cinematography
WEAKNESSES: Pacing. Maybe.
Bandit raids have brought a dirt poor village of farmers to the point of starvation. Are there any Samurai of honor who will help because of principle rather than pay?
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