Review of Dreams (1990) by Nate A — 06 Oct 2011

One of Kurosawa's final films is also one of his most surreal. It consists of eight vignettes that were, apparently, pulled from his actual dreams. This is one of his most Japanese films too, which may turn some people off. I think it's still possible to enjoy these without knowledge of Japanese culture, but it would certainly help.

Not all of the vignettes are as engaging as others. I think my favorite was the peach orchard one and the soldier returning home. There are several sketches whose story revolve around an eerily prophetic explosion of a nuclear power plant. It lends new meaning to the already creepy and disturbing nightmare vignettes.

It also looks gorgeous. The special effects look great whether it be stepping into a painting, sitting next to giant dandelions, or the red glow of Fuji during nuclear destruction.

This movie came after 'Ran' which is a very dark film. This, while there are definitely darker moments, is pretty life-affirming and positive. I shall definitely make the wasabi farm featured in the final story a destination the next time I return to Japan.

Just a final note: Martin Scorsese, a notorious cinephile, is in this as Vincent Van Gogh. I can only imagine the glee and joy he must have felt working with one of the great auteurs of cinema.