What is the key to life - power, prestige or peace?

Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Yûzô Kayama, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Reiko Dan, Miyuki Kuwano, Kyôko Kagawa, Tatsuyoshi Ehara, Terumi Niki

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"The pain and loneliness of death frighten me. But Dr. Niide looks at it differently. He looks into their hearts as well as their bodies." – Dr. Handayu Mori

Why watch this? This thoughtful drama may be Kurosawa's more undervalued masterpiece.

Plot Summary: When a young, arrogant, idealistic doctor is sent do a rural, late 19th century clinic, he is not happy about it. His new mentor is Dr. Niide, known as Akahige ("Red Beard"). Niide's outwardly gruff exterior hides a wise, compassionate healer who ministers to the poor and forgotten of the region. There are several patients, but the most compelling is a young girl whom they rescue from a brothel. She is severely damaged, and her recovery is inspiring.

Dad's Preview:  One of the universal themes here is stripping away preconceived notions when faced with life's realities. This was lead actor Toshirô Mifune's 16th and last collaboration with director Kurosawa. This swan song performance may be this best. I personally was delighted to see the usually fierce Mifune finally break into a gentle smile.

Toho