Movie No. 185 (2013): THE BAD SLEEP WELL

The Bad Sleep Well (1960)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura
In Japanese, with English subtitles

This film, although arguably having the feel of Rashomon and High and Low, is departure from the Samurai-themed films that made Akira Kurosawa an international household name, particularly to serious cinema lovers. This may not be as great as Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Ran, etc., but it is certainly an integral part of Kurosawa's illustrious filmography.

The movie is set in post-war Japan. It tells the story of a scheming, avenging, illegitimate son of the disgraced assistant chief of a big corporation (which got caught in the web of a scandal), who, he believed, to have been forced to commit suicide. He sees corruption exposed before him as he desperately (and anonymously) attempts to climb the corporate ladder, starting with marrying his boss's cripple daughter. The elaborate wedding ceremony at the start of the film appears like a prologue to the film, giving hints of things to see as the film reel turns. His scheme is stalled when something unexpected occurs to him. And yes, the bad really sleep well. 

Many say this film is Kurosawa's loose interpretation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. He didn't admit it. But, toward the middle of the film, I did really think of Hamlet. But, yes, very loose semblance. 

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: November 1, 2013