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Toshiro Mifune,
Toshiro Mifune,
Kamatari Fujiwara,
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Akira Kurosawa,
Akira Kurosawa
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: Criterion
: Classics, Foreign, Japan, Criterion Collection
: 150 min.
: Japanese
: English
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In this engaging drama, acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa deftly splices together the nuances of hypocrisy, old feudal misconceptions lingering in modern corruption, and Shakespeare's Hamlet. The rotten corporate world is taken on by Koichi Nishi (Toshiro Mifune), who is looking for revenge in the death of his father. Koichi is a private secretary to a government official, and in the opening scene, at Koichi's wedding to the official's disabled daughter, a special cake is brought in which jolts those present -- it reminds them of the suicide that paved the way for their current positions of power. Then the police arrive and arrest one of the wedding guests. Unknown to the others, Koichi is the hidden force behind all the strange happenings that begin to sting their consciences and ruin their lives. Ghostly figures and would-be killers in the dark streets contrast with shining corporate offices as the plot maneuvers to its tragic conclusion. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
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| Bowing to the Phone
by talltale
January 23, 2006 - 4:09 PM PST
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8 out of 8 members found this review helpful
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After decades of hearing about THE BAD SLEEP WELL, it's a treat to finally be able to see it in a beautifully restored transfer that ranks with the best of Criterion's work (which is very high praise). This is such a fine film in every way that I believe it may be Kurosawa's best (or near-best), and it also offers one of the finest performances by Toshiro Mifune (who knew he could be so beautifully buttoned-up and buttoned-down?).
While the movie is dated, its period look and feel actually make it seem even better because Kurosawa uses no flashy bits or tricky cuts to make his points. His subject is as timely today as it was in 1960: corruption that joins business and politics and runs roughshod over everyone in its path. Funny how little has changed in the ensuing half-century; it's just gotten worse. The culture here may be Japanese, with its keen reliance on shame as the force behind behavior, but it will not take much for a savvy American to connect these particular dots. The final moment is stunning in its simplicity, meaningfulness and quiet horror.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Other members have complained about the English subtitles to "Bad Sleep Well," but on the new Criterion transfer of this film, the subtitles are suberb, so make certain you request THE BAD SLEEP WELL (CRITERION COLLECTION) version. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 7.67)
64 Votes
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| Akira Kurosawa |
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Coming soon: Seven Samurai 3-Disc SE, remasters of Sanjuro and Yojimbo. Wish list: Criterion editions of Dodes'ka-den, The Idiot, I Live in Fear, and Scandal, and an anamorphic remaster of High and Low. |
Eoliano
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