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Espen Nomedal
4Jan12
"A dog's a dog... It can't be changed" is one of doctor Shimura's perscriptions about the criminals in this ballad of two alcoholic men. How to be a part of society is no not matter of class on the operating table of director Kurosawa, as two falling angels - a doctor and a gangster struggles to live in a society as muddy as the swamps sourrounding them. A film with this kind of sense of responsibility is rare.
Viktor Pedersen likes this
Ryan Nichols
12Dec11
what an ending! reminded me a lot of what Scorcese would later do, looking at flawed characters, and the downfall of others. absolutely spectacular ending. the entire fight sequence was so tense. not Kurosawa's best at all, but i definitely see why it was his breakthrough.
Ace Craven
23Aug11
A detailed character study of 2 terribly broken men. Both become vessels for dogmas perpetuated throughout time, clashed together by a broken, rotting world. And yet this movie reeks of optimism. Both archetypes are progressive in outlook, yet defeating in action. Excellent commentary on the life of a Doctor, selfishness and the free individual. "It's not just TB. A rational approach is the best medicine for life."
Espen Nomedal likes this
Ace Craven
1Jul11
This is the one they all wish they could make (Tarantino, to even Scorsese.) Mifune is wonderful in this, as is Shimura. Some of the two shots are very innovative, as is the final battle sequence and death of Mifune's character. To call it noir is underselling the weight of the story. A masterpiece. The only thing I was disappointed in was the crap restoration job done by Criterion. They really should try again...
Espen Nomedal likes this
Francisco R.
22Apr11
I liked this one. Kurosawa saw certain shades of hostility in Mifune's acting that proved to be the key in the success he had working with darker themes.
Michael Gildea
22Oct10
Drunken Angel was pretty good but it didn't blow me away. Not my most memorable Kurosawa viewing but it had some great moments and the swamp imagery was fantastic. Kurosawa's lesser works are still better than most directors' masterpieces. Like getting a flat and getting lucky in the same day...
Franklinton Underground Cinema
19May10
the central symbol of the film - "pestilential sump, filled with toxic garbage" - is something I have been unable to erase from my mind. I see it everywhere now...in people, in places, in media, and in myself too.
The Shadows and Silence
20Mar10
Mifune and Shimura strike sparks every time they appear on screen together. Mifune's emaciated appearance, a lingering reminder of his time in the army lends his performance an urgency and desperation which combined with Kurosawa's elegant direction produces a true noir masterpiece.
Special Agent Dale Cooper
26Sep09
probably the greatest ending I have ever seen on film. The end fight sequence is beautiful
Christopher Smith
16Apr09
Early film from Akira Kurosawa is a noirish drama that makes excellent use of its gritty post-War Japan locations - with great inky black and white cinematography and authentic performances from Takashi Shimura and Toshirô Mifune. The story meanders in places and can be slow at times - but at its strongest moments, it's a true classic. The first major step toward the masterpieces Kurosawa would go on to make.
stewart SFA Adams
15Feb09
The only surrealist sequence in the film, where Matsunaga is chased by himself, is so similar to that in Kagemusha. In both a person comes out of a coffin/pot, they chase a character played by the same actor, there is a painted sky, and there is water.