Review of Red Beard (1965) by Martin M — 20 Mar 2011

I have been searching for a film that can surpass Ikiru (watched 2008) in terms of reaching to the lowest depths of human condition, and finally there is one that comes close to it, and its a Kurosawa too! Akahige is seriously way beyond typical Kurosawa films (xcept Ikiru) because it is so heavy to watch. The level of emotional, humane influence projected is unexpected from an old classic and is on par with some of the heaviest tear-jerking films I have seen e.g. Joy Luck Club. This film is fundamentally one of those 'lessons in life' human drama masterpieces and I cant help but shed tears like every 15 min because the stories from the patients, staff and families connected to those patients are just beyond touching. I am also surprised that some elements are played out way beyond his time, for instance the suspense and the performance by a 'nymphomaniac' approaching the apprentice's life is as good as any modern psychological thriller.

Why this film is memorable:

- One of the very very selective few films since Joy Luck Club that made me cry so much...thanks to overwhemingly touching stories that gave way to the following points.

- the acting performance of a dying patient suffering from pancreas cancer. One of the best I have seen.

- Sahachi's words to change the apprentice's rebellious nature of not wanting to wear uniforms: 'please wear the uniforms. If u do, we will know that u are a doctor. Poor people like us cannot afford doctors and will b extremely happy to see one.'.

- The suicide act of Onaka -- something I have not come across in non-Japanese films, because, ironically, it wasnt that depressing as she kills herself in Sahachi's embrace.

- Sahachi's stretched-out hands right before his death.

- Red Beard's attempts to feed a 'rebellious' teenage girl who was actually traumatized for a long time. WOW, that's a superb presentation of such profound understanding of human nature.

- After realising Chobo's heartbreaking story, Otoyo accepted the candies stolen by the boy for her sake but forced him to take them back to feed his siblings. Wonderful.

- The 'yelling down to the well' act. Its more beautiful than any other prayer because it is a simple, desperate act of hope.

- A very UNUSUAL point to add: Red Beard's attempt to disable (and in the end amputated) the limbs of his assailants just to save Otoyo from her despair. He went against his call of duty :D.