The movie opens with Kurasawa’s characteristic visual style. A sequence featuring dancers seen through swaying bead curtains, synchronized to the music, was particularly impressive. Selecting Miki Odagiri as his inspiration proved to be a stroke of genius; her laughter is genuinely captivating. I felt the final section dragged somewhat and seemed motionless. This might stem from cultural customs regarding death that are unfamiliar to me—such as the practice of avoiding chopsticks in rice bowls. Kurasawa explores philosophical ideas about existence and politics, and it’s striking how little has evolved over seven decades.

Source on TMDB