Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A very good film on a poor DVD, 13 April 2009
Any viewer has preconceived ideas, unbeknown to him/her, about the film he/she is about to watch. Most of these ideas derive from the name of the director and of the main actors, and from the title of the film. The Japanese sentence "madadayo" meaning nothing to the average Western moviegoer, and the leading actors being unknown to him/her, his/her expectation of this film will solely depend on the name and fame of the film-maker. To many moviegoers, Kurosawa Akira means samurai epic, katana swordplay and large-scale battle. And yet only a part of Kurosawa's cinematic work responds to these criteria; MADADAYO does not respond to them. Until the very last sequence, the film may be defined as the realistic portrait of an ageing former teacher, surnamed Uchida, and his relationship with a group of faithful and loving alumni, through a series of daily life anecdotes covering nearly two decades, in World-War-II and post-War Tokyo, Japan. The title, meaning "not yet", comes from Professor Uchida's answer to a question collectively asked by his former pupils during a joyful rite of longevity performed on the occasion of the annual meeting of the alumni's society. This meeting takes place on every birthday of Uchida, who turns 60 at the beginning of the film and 77 at the end.
To be understood, this film requires from the audience a reasonable acquaintance with, and interest in, the history and society of twentieth-century Japan. Of course, a basic proficiency in Japanese language will enable one to fully appreciate the anecdotes involving written material (the main character is a witty literary figure, and the English subtitles frequently fail to render Uchida's humour and his playful use of various cultural references).
Arguably, Kurosawa's last film is not his best, but would still deserve 4 stars. Unfortunately, Yume Pictures did a very sloppy job here and the resulting DVD is of very poor quality, hence the 2 stars. The picture is slightly blurred throughout with faded colours, almost as if a VHS tape was used as master copy; consequently, all the aesthetic qualities of the film are lost. In addition, the original format seems not to have been respected, as two black strips hack the picture (and occasionally an actor's face) on both sides of the screen. The DVD offers a single version (Japanese with English subtitles) and the subtitles cannot be removed. The single advantage of the present edition [bar code: 5-060103-790685] is its comparatively low price. Purchasing another edition, if any is available, is strongly recommended.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Director and faultless acting, 7 April 2009
Classic acting by Tatsuo Matsumara who plays writer and teacher Hyakken Uchida a highly respected professor in 1950's occupied Tokyo who's life after his retirement is traced when joined each year thereafter by his students and collegues.
This a film for the serious student.
There is a truly moving second half of the film when the professors cat Nora,is lost,and as he is "more sensitive and he feels and sees things more clearly than any of us he suffers more" is certainly masterfully portrayed by Matsumara as he suffers waiting for the cats return being unable to think, eat, sleep,or bathe (as the cats bed awaits on top of the tub and cannot be moved)and the slow deterioration of his will as he waits for Noras return aided by his collegues worrying about the weather in case it may be causing distress to the cat.(or delay his return).
Any cat lover will understand totally the empathy and worry of concern and stress of a lost pet which is perfectly portrayed and the tension is slow and relentless untill YOU TOO are waiting.....listening.....is that him?....is that him?
A slow burner of elegant pace and rich reward after watching very rare in any film made these days where the pace of life is faster...
If you are a Kurosawa fan you know what you are in for..if you are new this film is of an elegant pace and you will be treated to fine acting.
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