Wild that Kurosawa can direct a three-and-a-half-hour film that breezes by beautifully, yet he can also make a two-hour one, like The Lower Depths, that feels like it is holding time in a chokehold and shoving its face in the mud. My opinion is definitely harsher due to disappointment in a Kurosawa dud, but, wow, I did not like this. Dull, repetitive, claustrophobic—this took me a few sittings to get through. This is only for Kurosawa completists who want to watch Mifune bathing in 1950s misery porn.

Wild that Kurosawa can direct a three-and-a-half-hour film that breezes by beautifully, yet he can also make a two-hour one, like The Lower Depths, that feels like it is holding time in a chokehold and shoving its face in the mud. My opinion is definitely harsher due to disappointment in a Kurosawa dud, but, wow, I did not like this. Dull, repetitive, claustrophobic—this took me a few sittings to get through. This is only for Kurosawa completists who want to watch Mifune bathing in 1950s misery porn.

Okay

Okay

That ending made me laugh 😆
The singing and dancing bits were entertaining 
God there aren’t many characters in this who don’t devolve into screaming and shouting 😅

That ending made me laugh 😆
The singing and dancing bits were entertaining 
God there aren’t many characters in this who don’t devolve into screaming and shouting 😅

The Lower Depths is one of those films where there isn't much of a structured plot. Things just kind of happen to the characters for two hours. It's highly likely that many people won't enjoy it for that reason.

It's based on Maxim Gorky novel from 1902. I was very surprised to find out that this was not the first film adaptation. There's a French version from 1936 that seems to be about on the same level as Kurosawa's.

I found myself checking out during this, but there is some really good dialogue that makes up for some of the duller bits. The performances are also great even if they do occasionally reach the overly melodramatic territory like The Idiot.

Kurosawa did an excellent job of making this seem like a real scenario. It's the realization of the sad, brutal reality that our characters have to face that makes this worth watching. This is easily Kurosawa's most depressing film. It can be hard to watch at times despite some pretty comedic moments.

I surprisingly loved the final scene of this film. It perfectly combined the film's dark humor and depressing aspects.

Aside from the slow pace and the unfocused plot, The Lower Depths is a decent Kurosawa film.

Lists: 2024 Goals**** & Kurosawa Ranked***
****
*Last Review: The Idiot******

The Lower Depths is one of those films where there isn't much of a structured plot. Things just kind of happen to the characters for two hours. It's highly likely that many people won't enjoy it for that reason.

It's based on Maxim Gorky novel from 1902. I was very surprised to find out that this was not the first film adaptation. There's a French version from 1936 that seems to be about on the same level as Kurosawa's.

I found myself checking out during this, but there is some really good dialogue that makes up for some of the duller bits. The performances are also great even if they do occasionally reach the overly melodramatic territory like The Idiot.

Kurosawa did an excellent job of making this seem like a real scenario. It's the realization of the sad, brutal reality that our characters have to face that makes this worth watching. This is easily Kurosawa's most depressing film. It can be hard to watch at times despite some pretty comedic moments.

I surprisingly loved the final scene of this film. It perfectly combined the film's dark humor and depressing aspects.

Aside from the slow pace and the unfocused plot, The Lower Depths is a decent Kurosawa film.

Lists: 2024 Goals**** & Kurosawa Ranked***
****
*Last Review: The Idiot******

The characters aren’t as nuanced and exciting as in some of his more acclaimed work, but I think that’s an aspect that serves a purpose in the overarching story and the atmosphere Kurosawa is trying to create. The performances were fine nothing stood out except Mifune. It’s shot like a stage-play, I have mixed feelings about that, I feel like it would be better if it wasn’t tbh.. but, I understand that this is based on a Checkovian play, or something like that. So, I suppose it makes sense. I don’t think I’ll ever revisit this.. but far from a bad movie as thematically it’s very strong 🤙🏼

Overall,
Perhaps not his best shot or most memorable film but a well written and interesting perspective direction-wise. The performances were for the most part fine, but I do love Mifune as his stage presence is impeccable. The ending didn’t make me feel much at all.. and I guess in some way that’s the point.. Worth checking out!

The characters aren’t as nuanced and exciting as in some of his more acclaimed work, but I think that’s an aspect that serves a purpose in the overarching story and the atmosphere Kurosawa is trying to create. The performances were fine nothing stood out except Mifune. It’s shot like a stage-play, I have mixed feelings about that, I feel like it would be better if it wasn’t tbh.. but, I understand that this is based on a Checkovian play, or something like that. So, I suppose it makes sense. I don’t think I’ll ever revisit this.. but far from a bad movie as thematically it’s very strong 🤙🏼

Overall,
Perhaps not his best shot or most memorable film but a well written and interesting perspective direction-wise. The performances were for the most part fine, but I do love Mifune as his stage presence is impeccable. The ending didn’t make me feel much at all.. and I guess in some way that’s the point.. Worth checking out!