The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

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Robert S I'm watching Kurosawa's movies in chronological order and this is the first one that feels like his later movies. There's not a whole lot here but it's short and worth a watch if you're a fan of his later stuff. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/04/24 Full Review william d Although there are some good performances there is not much of a movie here. The story is more suited to TV than the big screen. It can be interesting as a stepping stone taken by Kurosawa on his way to later, better films. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Christopher B A tense and well acted, with some hilarious facial expressions to boot, early piece by the legendary Akira Kurosawa. While it may lack action or traditional sword fighting, its poignant and wonderfully done for such a short film. Recommended! This is a good place to start in Kurosawa's filmography so you can gain an understanding for what will become his trademark style. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/01/22 Full Review Audience Member What is happening? Nobody knows. But that's what's fun about it. There is little action. The suspense is subtle, but powerful. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member This film was solid. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member My lacking understanding of the latter act's use of dance is clearly a cultural divide. Twice we see the foolish porter Benkei do a silly dance - once for the barrier-people bringing gifts, the second just for us under a magnificent night sky whose cloud pattern Kurosawa clearly waited patiently to capture. I wish I understood to grasp a fuller understanding of the meaning. Nevertheless, Kurosawa succeeds at drawing us into this illicit journey through a forest that will bring these fake monks to a masquerade challenge, which could result in life or death. This is revealed in a wonderfully dynamic, comedic performance by Denjiro Okochi as Benkei, who deduces that this story he heard about seven samurai on a mission disguised as Buddhist monks is, much to his dismay, them! What's worse, the word is out, their plan is already in jeopardy. The samurai aren't as flustered as they should be - is this only to provide a contrasting backdrop for Okochi's over-the-top situational fear? It works, the cuts between Okochi's trepidation and the samurai stillness are some of the best in the whole piece. But the film's climactic suspenseful showdown between Togashi and the barrier-leader is where it's all at. Kurosawa is patient, he trusts the space between silence and sound. Togashi takes this role seriously, he really builds himself up and forces everyone to see him as the leading priest he pretends to be. Whenever we move between a long silent pause, then hearing his voice kick into full priestly gear, knowing the schtick he's up to makes for a deep laughter. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

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