Critical Perspectives on Akira Kurosawa

This volume offers a nuanced approach to Akira Kurosawa's career and evolving view of history through both his most famous and lesser-known films. It is comprised of four roughly chronological sections, covering early career efforts; the first half of his career golden age; the second half of this golden age; and his twilight years.Readers will follow every stage of Kurosawa’s six-decade career to see how deeply involved he was with a highly personal exploration and interpretation of Japanese history as well as Japanese culture and philosophy. As such, the book makes the case that refocusing our attention on history (and culture) and its value to Kurosawa is vitally important. Touching on all 30 of the films he made over the course of his career, this volume is a holistic exploration. Examining in detail the traces of Kurosawa’s stylistic influence on—and from—all the film projects on which he worked, the volume offers valuable insights into the legendary filmmaker’s storytelling techniques and his changing view of history.