Review of Red Beard (1965) by Wes K — 26 Dec 2010
Considering that his oeuvre is composed of films featuring flawed, selfish, weak, and (at times) wicked people, this is a very different film for Kurosawa. The titular character is noble and virtuous and played to perfection by Mifune in his last movie with Kurosawa. Set amidst the changing seasons of Tokyo, a young doctor is assigned to work at a welfare clinic. Ambitious and arrogant, he is furious to have received such a posting. As time goes on, he learns the value of life and that an honorable profession takes precedence over wealth. It's very Dickensian.
There are several stories from patients that tug at the heart strings, but the emotional core of the story comes from the rescue of a 12-year-old girl from a brothel. The young doctor makes it his mission to not only cure her body, but also her mind.
A long but lovely film that champions the best aspects of humanity.
This review of Red Beard (1965) was written by Wes K on 26 Dec 2010.
Red Beard has generally received very positive reviews.
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