Following World War II, a retired professor approaching his autumn years finds his quality of life drastically reduced in war-torn Tokyo. Denying despair, he pursues writing and celebrates h... Read allFollowing World War II, a retired professor approaching his autumn years finds his quality of life drastically reduced in war-torn Tokyo. Denying despair, he pursues writing and celebrates his birthday with his adoring students.Following World War II, a retired professor approaching his autumn years finds his quality of life drastically reduced in war-torn Tokyo. Denying despair, he pursues writing and celebrates his birthday with his adoring students.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 4 nominations
- Amaki
- (as Jôji Tokoro)
- Directors
- Akira Kurosawa
- Ishirô Honda(uncredited)
- Writers
- Ishirô Honda(uncredited)
- Akira Kurosawa
- Hyakken Uchida
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFinal film of both Akira Kurosawa and Ishirô Honda.
- GoofsThe story depicts Professor Hyakken's 60th birthday toward the end of World War II (1943-1945). But he was born in 1889; thus, he turned 60 years old in 1949.
- Quotes
Professor Hyakken Uchida: Gentlemen, today's my last day for me to be called "professor." As of today, I am resigning my professorship. Somehow, my writings have found a market. I can make a living off them. That's not to say - that I dislike teaching. But as they say, "He who chases two hares catches neither." So, I am quitting teaching.
Takayama: Professor. Even if you quit, you'll still be our professor. My dad graduated from this school, and so did his friends. To this day they still call you Professor. They also say you're pure gold.
Professor Hyakken Uchida: Pure gold?
Takayama: A lump of gold with no impurities. I guess they mean you're a true professor. You're our German professor, but I feel you've taught us a lot of other very valuable lessons.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Kurosawa: The Last Emperor (1999)
- SoundtracksL'ESTRO ARMONICO Op. II, Concert No 1 in D Major, RV 230
Music by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Solisti Veneti (as I Solisti Veneti)
Conducted by Claudio Scimone
Courtesy of ERARO DISQUES S.A.
To the viewer though there is much in between stories and people to digest such as a great celebratory dinner that is held every year, and so on. To some degree I will admit I liked the camradare that I witnessed, the great dialogue, the professors childish personality, but I wanted the film to move forward and to at least give me something to focus on.
The lost cat scene was a good distraction but it did go a little more longer than neccesary. I find this often sometimes in Kurosawa's work (The lost gun in Stray Dogs, following the suspect in High and Low reminded me of this). However, the hallmarks of his great filmmaking are apparent in the dinner scenes, cinematography, and conversations. He also provides scenes that the viewer could take as obligatory (such as a death, or the possible return of the cat), but Kurosawa changes this so the outcome is not what you expect but refreshing.
However, the best is saved for last... litteraly. As I was waiting for the film to end, the hallmark of greatness arrives without question in the span of what must have been only 5 minutes. The ending just wraps up everything so perfectly, and it made me from just liking the film to instantly loving it. It gives a real insight into the professors mind who is greatly admired and respected.
Rating 8 out of 10
- smakawhat
- Aug 19, 2003
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $11,900,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $596
- Runtime2 hours 14 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1