Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

July 24, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa” is a wonderful collection of Kurosawa’s earlier work and if you are a Criterion Collection collector who is missing his earlier work in your collection (and have no intention of purchasing the awesome “AK100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa” set), then this latest Eclipse series Kurosawa DVD set is literally a must-have and is definitely recommended!

TITLE: The Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa

DURATION: Sanshiro Sugata (79 minutes), The Most Beautiful (85 minutes), Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (82 minutes) and The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail (59 minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Black and White, 1:33:1 Aspect Ratio, Monaural, Japanese with English subtitles

COMPANY: Janus Films/The Criterion Collection

RELEASED: August 3, 2010

Years before Akira Kurosawa changed the face of cinema with such iconic works as Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Yojimbo, he made his start in the Japanese film industry with four popular and exceptional works, created as World War II raged. All gripping dramas, those rare first films—Sanshiro Sugata; The Most Beautiful; Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two; and The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail—are collected here and include a two-part martial arts saga, a portrait of female volunteers helping the war effort, and a kabuki-derived tale of deception. These captivating films are a glorious introduction to a peerless career.

Akira Kurosawa, one of the most highly revered filmmakers of all time.

A career which began in the 1930′s up to his final directorial work in 1993, The Criterion Collection is known for celebrating Kurosawa’s oeuvre through multiple DVD releases including the most recent collection titled “AK100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa”. But if there was one collection that many have clamored for many years, it was his earlier films.

And now the Criterion Collection has presented us with another Kurosawa Eclipse Series set titled “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa” which includes his first four films: “Sanshiro Sugata” (1943), “The Most Beautiful” (1944), “Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two” (1945) and “The Men Who Tread On the Tiger’s Tail” (1945).

All four films were previously featured in the “AK100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa” DVD set but for those who have been collecting the Akira Kurosawa DVD’s via the Criterion Collection individually and those who previously purchased the “Postwar Kurosawa” Eclipse Series #7 set, this latest DVD Eclipse Series set is a welcomed addition to the Eclipse Series and a must-have for your Akira Kurosawa Criterion collection.

Here are our reviews for each of the films included in this DVD set:

Sanshiro Sugata (Sugata Sanshiro)

The Most Beautiful (Ichiban Utsukushiku)

Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (Zoku Sugata Sanshiro)

The Men Who Tread On the Tiger’s Tail (Tora no o wo Fumu Otokotachi)

For any Akira Kurosawa fan, the Criterion Collection has provided us fans with quality DVD and Blu-ray releases for many years now. And for many Kurosawa fans, once you start watching one film, buy one DVD or Blu-ray, more than likely you will want to watch more and more and if you are a hardcore fan, you will more than likely want to purchase everything Kurosawa.

With that being said, I will say that the “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa” is most definitely worth it. For one, Kurosawa’s earliest films are not as easy to find and the fact that you can get his first four films that he directed in one set is fantastic!

But if you are a person who does not own any Kurosawa films or very few of the Criterion Collection releases, the set that you want is Criterion’s “AK100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa”. For 25 films, you get your bang for your buck but it’s also important to note that this set does not included the special features for the films that were released on the individual Criterion Collection DVD’s.

But this set is primarily for those looking for Kurosawa’s earliest films, the hardcore Kurosawa and Criterion fans (who must own everything), especially for those who have purchased the Criterion Collection DVD’s and the “Eclipse Series #7: Postwar Kurosawa” set and just need this remaining set to complete their collection.

As for the “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa”, you get Kurosawa’s directorial debut and his first four films. “Sanshiro Sugata” were enjoyable films, “The Most Beautiful” gave us a glimpse of female factory workers during World War II and “The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail” gave us an early preview of what would come in the future for Kurosawa’s Jidaigeki films.

Although I do not feel that these four films are his best films, these four films included in this set are important but also entertaining. But also you got to see how Kurosawa handled a variety of situations that was asked of him during wartime, you got to see how he set up his shots and how thorough he was not only as a director but also as a writer.

It’s important to emphasize that this set is Kurosawa’s earlier work. The first two films were created as propaganda films during World War II (and “Sanshiro Sugata” had 18-minutes cut from the original film), the third film was a sequel which he reluctantly did at the request of the studio and his fourth film was created because there was not enough resources during wartime to commit to a major film. Also, the fourth film “The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail” was banned by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers (SCAP) General Douglas MacArthur because the film promoted traditional Japanese values and would not be released until after 1952 when the Treaty of San Francisco was signed (the treaty officially marked the end of World War II and the end of Japan’s position as an imperial power).

Also, it is important to note that because these films are part of an Eclipse Series release, you’re not going to get the Criterion Collection high-level remastering and restoration. In fact, a few of these films do sport quite a bit of dust, scratches, film warping and some have problems with darkening issues. But by no means are these films unwatchable nor should the condition of the film impede one’s enjoyment of these four films. For films that are over 60-years-old, these films are watchable, quality differs depending on the film but I am quite grateful that we are getting these older films released on DVD.

These films are easily accessible, enjoyable and entertaining but when compared to Kurosawa’s later work, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. But at the same time, as a fan, one can see the potential in Kurosawa’s earlier work and how it would lead him to the path of making incredible and fantastic cinema.

Overall, the “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa” is a wonderful collection of Kurosawa’s earlier work and if you are a Criterion Collection collector who is missing his earlier work in your collection (and have no intention of purchasing the awesome “AK100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa” set), then this latest Eclipse series Kurosawa DVD set is literally a must-have and is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Asian Cinema DVD/Blu-ray, DVD Reviews, THE CRITERION COLLECTION

Sanshiro Sugata (as part of the Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa) (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

July 13, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Akira Kurosawa’s first film showcasing the filmmaker’s emerging style (that would be prevalent in his later films) and a wonderful inclusion to the “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa”.

TITLE: Sanshiro Sugata (as part of the Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa)

DURATION: 79 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Black and White, 1:33:1 Aspect Ratio, Monaural, Japanese with English subtitles

COMPANY: Janus Films/The Criterion Collection

RELEASED: August 3, 2010

Based on a novel by Tsuneo Tomita

Written and Directed by Akira Kurosawa

Produced by Keiji Matsuzaki

Music by Seiichi Suzuki

Cinematography by Akira Mimura

Edited by Toshio Goto, Akira Kurosawa

Art Direction: Masao Tozuka

Starring:

Denjiro Okochi as Shogoro Yano

Susumu Fujita as Sanshiro Sugata

Yukiko Todoroki as Sayo Murai

Ryunosuke Tsukigata as Gennosuke Higaki

Takashi Shimura as Hansuke Mirai, Sayo’s Father

Ranko Hanai as Osumi Kodana

Sugisaku Aoyama as Tsunetami Iimura

Years before Akira Kurosawa changed the face of cinema with such iconic works as Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Yojimbo, he made his start in the Japanese film industry with four popular and exceptional works, created as World War II raged. All gripping dramas, those rare first films—Sanshiro Sugata; The Most Beautiful; Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two; and The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail—are collected here and include a two-part martial arts saga, a portrait of female volunteers helping the war effort, and a kabuki-derived tale of deception. These captivating films are a glorious introduction to a peerless career.

Sanshiro Sugata – Kurosawa’s effortless debut is a thrilling martial arts action tale, but it’s also a moving story of moral education that’s quintessential Kurosawa.

Akira Kurosawa, one of the most highly revered filmmakers of all time.

Akira Kurosawa’s filmmaking debut begins with the martial arts film “Sanshiro Sugata” (Judo Saga). A film that was released in Japan by Toho films back in March 1943 but because it was during wartime, the Japanese government removed 17 minutes from the film and that cut footage has never been found since. In fact, for the 1955 release of the film, the following was shown at the beginning of the film:

“This film has been modified from the original version of Akira Kurosawa’s debut film, which opened in 1943, without consulting the director or the production staff. 1,845 feet of footage was cut in 1944 to comply with the government’s wartime entertainment policies.”

Nevertheless, the film without those 17 minutes still manages to be an enjoyable film and giving us a glimpse of Kurosawa’s filmmaking and also his selection of shots especially of the sky and the countryside which would become prevalent in his later and most revered films.

“Sanshiro Sugata” (姿三四郎) is a film that was adapted from a novel by Tomita Tsuneo and focuses on a stubborn young man named Sanshiro. One day, Sanshiro joins a group of men who practice Jujitsu (a martial art that evolved from the samurai of feudal Japan to defeat armed or unarmed opponents without weapons). Wanting to learn, instead he hears that the men are upset with a martial arts teacher named Shogoro Yano. Mainly because he has been teaching a martial art called Judo (a Japanese martial art in which one can use defense to throw an opponent to the ground or immobilize them through grappling maneuvers).

The group of men are not too thrilled that this teacher is practicing judo which they feel is a disgrace to Jujitsu and thus they want to get their revenge by beating him with Jujitsu.

So, as the men begin their attack on Yano, Sanshiro watches and is amazed that the Judo teacher has easily beaten all the Jujitsu members. Immediately, Sanshiro Sugata begs Yano to take him in as a student and Yano allows him to join his school.

But the problem is that Sanshiro is a wild child who follows the beat of his own drum and this may cause problems with his relationship with his own teacher. Can Sanshiro be a changed man and prove to his teacher that he is a worthy student? And what happens when the mysterious Gennosuke Higaki comes to the school and challenges him to a duel?

VIDEO:

“Sanshiro Sugata” is presented in black and white (1:33:1 Aspect Ratio) and despite having gone through cuts by the censor, the film quality differs in different scenes. Mostly at the beginning where the Jujitsu students take on Yano. The scenes are supposed to take place in the evening and it shows as the scene is quite black. You barely can make out any faces but dark figures fighting. But this happens only during this instance. Not sure if it was intentional, if there were budget constraints or what but that is the only scene where it is a little hard to see because of the darkness. It is known that during World War II, resources by the film industry in Japan were a bit scarce and filmmakers had to work with less resources around that time. But throughout the film, there is adequate lighting indoors and during the daytime.

But there are beautiful shots courtesy of Akira Mimura. From changes in camera speed, the use of wipes and the use of weather (especially during the final battle) and various cuts of nature were evident in Kurosawa’s first film and would become a major focus in his later films.

But considering the film is nearly 70-years-old, the film doesn’t sport hardly any negative damage and the scratches and dust were not at all distracting.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Sanshiro Sugata” is presented in Japanese monaural with English subtitles. Dialogue is clear and heard no significant clicks, pops or humming through the entire film.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Eclipse Series releases do not come with special features but included in the insert is a background on Kurosawa and the information about the film and why Japanese censors trimmed 17 minutes from the film.

For any Kurosawa fan, just the opportunity to watch his earlier work is an amazing treat. And even though his debut film “Sanshiro Sugata” was unfortunately cut by the censors during wartime (as it was deemed as British/American in sensibility), the film still manages to be entertaining and enjoyable in its own right.

The film would spotlight on the unruly Sanshiro Sugata played by Susumu Fujita and Fujita does a tremendous job of playing a man that is conflicted in his emotions of wanting to fight but also knowing his responsibility to obey his elders. The expressions on his face, may it be during a match against a Jujitsu student to his battle with Hansuke Murai speaks volumes. This is a man who loves to fight but at the same time, he values life but ends up in predicaments where he must fight a battle to the death.

In today’s modern world, we have seen plenty of Asian cinema that showcase various martial art styles colliding. Especially in Hong Kong and Chinese films but it is really a treat to see the battle between Judo vs. Jujitsu coming into play throughout the film and to see how the tournaments are executed.

Kurosawa’s vision in conjunction with Akira Mimura’s cinematography work in tandem and both are able to create a sense of intrigue and suspense but also managing to capture beauty. May it be the lotus blooming in the water or the storm clouds rolling in and seeing Sanshiro battle his rival Gennosuke Higaki (played by Ryunosuke Tsukigata) is well-done. It is quite interesting as everyone in the film are in Japanese traditional clothing while the opponent and Sugata’s rival Higaki is dressed in Western/English style of clothing.

In many ways, this is a story of an underdog with a good heart. If trained well, Sanshiro Sugata can accomplish big things but because of his brash personality (albeit having a big heart), realistically Sanshiro Sugata is like a child who had no direction growing up and thus, his special relation to his teacher Yano who has shown him guidance.

Yano knows that Sanshiro can be a difficult student but he knows that he needs to give his new student some tough love in order to have him learn why he is learning judo and that he has a purpose in life.

I hope that one of these days, especially within my lifetime, as many silent film footage is being discovered, Kurosawa’s “Sanshiro Sugata” and its missing 17-minutes of film will somehow be found. Those 17 minutes almost similar to “Metropolis” in which missing footage has to be told by intertitles but you feel those cut scenes could have added more depth towards the film.

Overall, “Sanshiro Sugata” is an enjoyable film and a wonderful inclusion in the “Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa”. A wonderful film that gives us insight to Akira Kuroswa and what he would later bring to his future endeavors. I definitely look forward to watching the sequel and the remaining two films also included in this DVD set.

Filed Under: Asian Cinema DVD/Blu-ray, DVD Reviews, THE CRITERION COLLECTION