Rent Red Beard (1965)

Another Master Film from Kurosawa & Co. - Red Beard review by JE

Moving, Humane, and an outstanding production all in all, what else to say?

Just to say that i give it 5 stars and that i would highly recommend it.

Not just a Kurosawa film... - Red Beard review by griggs

Red Beard is not just a Kurosawa film, but it's also the most accessible one I’ve seen to date, making it a perfect entry point for those new to his work. And it’s utterly mesmerising. The story follows Dr Yasumoto, a young, arrogant physician reluctantly assigned to a rural clinic run by the gruff yet compassionate Dr Niide, better known as Red Beard.

Through Yasumoto’s eyes, we witness a series of tragic, deeply human, and often heartbreakingly raw vignettes of the patients in Red Beard’s care. These stories, with their profound emotional depth, grow increasingly poignant, culminating in one particularly devastating moment that left me reeling. It feels as though Kurosawa masterfully builds you up, only to break your heart and twist the knife just a little more.

Despite his commanding presence, Red Beard’s backstory remains mysterious. However, subtle hints suggest he arrived at the clinic much like Yasumoto.

The film features cameos from many icons of Japanese cinema’s golden age, with Chishu Ryu delivering a brief but profoundly moving appearance in the conclusion. These cameos not only add to the film's star power but also serve as a nod to the rich history of Japanese cinema, enriching the viewing experience for film enthusiasts.

Wim Wenders once said filmmakers wanting to capture rain or snow should study Kurosawa, and Red Beard shows why. The snow scenes, with their breathtaking beauty and raw, lifelike quality, evoke a sense of awe that feels almost magical.

While its three-hour runtime might seem indulgent, every moment is earned, and as such, this is a masterpiece I’ll revisit often and one I cannot recommend highly enough.