Akira Kurosawa’s last black and white film, Red Beard, follows a storyline similar to Bernard Émond’s La Donation. The themes are similar, although the Japanese work develops more slowly and is more lyrical. A doctor with aspirations of serving Japan’s royal court is sent to a small clinic in a poor village. Unlike Dr. Dion, who chose to accept a one month posting in Normétal, Dr. Yasumoto is tricked into reporting to the iconic Dr. Niide (a.k.a. “Red Beard”) and initially refuses the position. Over time, he comes to respect Red Beard, his pragmatic viewpoint, and his effective manner of …
Public Enemies
Michael Mann has constucted an entertaining period film with his latest release, Public Enemies. The film recounts the exploits of bank robber John Dillinger during the Great Depression. Although he may be an outlaw, Dillinger captures the public imagination with his charisma and Robin Hood persona. Initially, Dillinger was sent to prison for robbing a grocery store. He regretted the crime because of the kind nature of the store owner but became embittered towards society because of a sentence that he felt was excessive. After leaving prison, he successfully organizes a series of daring bank robberies but always steals from …
3:10 to Yuma
Compared to other western films that I have screened recently, 3:10 to Yuma compares quite favourably. I thought that it is one of the best films that I have seen this year. Like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, it explores the life of a Wild West outlaw who has reached the end of the road and must change their direction. Unlike Jesse James, it doesn’t drag endlessly and offers a tense and surprising conclusion. 3:10 to Yuma is driven by its lead characters, Dan Evans (Christian Bale) and Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) who initially represent …