Sanshiro Sugata (1943)

Too many fans seem to be blown away

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

SANSHIRO SUGATA is a work of Japanese drama notable for being the first completed feature from famed director Akira Kurosawa. Seen today it's a rather dated effort, quite slow paced, that nonetheless deserves kudos for being one of the earliest martial arts films in existence. The film charts the life and times of a fictionalised martial artist and early judo proponent. It's surprising how many elements of the film later became prevalent in martial arts cinema.The protagonist must undergo basic training and learn to become a better person under the tutelage of a wise old master. There are duels with fierce and imposing rivals and even a tournament battle. The cast give typically understated performances, and Kurosawa's sense of visual dynamism is what makes this stand out; the final duel on the wind-swept hillside is excellent.

Characters are stereotyped ... but that could be from the Kabuki tradition as passed down into early Japanese cinema.Interesting insight into the historic 1880's Japan ... the mix of traditional dress and exaggerated western dress that different people wore, the old railroads, etc.The beauty of the near-final scene ... with the rolling clouds, and wind in the tall grass, and the sound effects was extraordinary ... esp as filmed in B&W.But overall, too slow going for my taste.Also, the theme of differing combat styles is of no special interest to me .. although no doubt that was a stand-in theme for 'old vs new'.

First and foremost, in order to appreciate this film, one must face the fact that it is largely incomplete, due to the censorship of the time. Having that into consideration, you will most likely enjoy the film for what it is. Besides, if you are acquainted with Kurosawa's work, then you should not doubt giving this a try.The outstanding, mind-blowing camera-work that Kurosawa is known for is in a huge development process here, on account of this being his first work; however, even though not yet in a full-fledged form, everything that is meant to be portrayed comes through wonderfully. The story is another factor that definitely enhances the representation taking place in the film, as it matches perfectly with the cinematic techniques Kurosawa puts to work. If there are any inconveniences to be encountered throughout the course of the film, it would all obviously be as a result of the cut-off already mentioned.The conspicuous acting goes without saying; everyone in the film fits into their roll perfectly. The main character may probably come as overacted to an audience not familiarized with Kurosawa's work, or Japanese cinema for that matter; Susuma Fujita would not be as well-known as Toshiro Mifune would later become, but he undoubtedly does his best here.The film, despite the cut-off, works perfectly. One can just wonder how much better this could be if it were in its full form, as first conceived by the director.

This is understandably one of his first works, the movie is a little unrefined and raw. But it is quite good nonetheless.Although there is a certain cliché and lack of depth in the plot (typical-i-am-destined-to-fight kind of plot), many things are already outstanding in this first piece of work by the legendary Kurosawa. The camera angles, the style, and the small moments, like the shy behaviour in those scenes prelude to romantic endeavours, are some of the things people will remember about this film.At least people will also remember that this was one of the films that elevated Kurosawa to be a top-notch director in the later part of this career