chillingindoors

I just finished it and I have a question
The psycho did it out of hatred and jealousy of his circumstances over Gondo's saying that Gondo wouldn't understand given the comfort and luxury he lived in. And yet, he was so sure that Gondo's moral compass would be upright and that he would definitely save the driver's kid. WHY?
Is that a flaw in the writing or am I not understanding it right?
Would love to know what you think.

The psycho did it out of hatred and jealousy of his circumstances over Gondo's saying that Gondo wouldn't understand given the comfort and luxury he lived in. And yet, he was so sure that Gondo's moral compass would be upright and that he would definitely save the driver's kid. WHY?
Is that a flaw in the writing or am I not understanding it right?

A general comment - While I did love the police procedural focus in the 2nd half of the film, I wish we continued to see a little more of Gondo, and how he was managing. Kawaga Kyoko was wasted here.. she had little to do. In fact, I wanted more of the psycho kidnapper, and Tokura as well. 3 very different and intriguing personalities. I SO WISH THIS WAS A MINI SERIES.

This has to be one of the best police procedurals I've ever seen. Kurosawa's attention to detail, his masterful direction and techniques, the simple yet intricate and engaging plot with fine actors like Mifune Toshiro, Nakadai Tatsuya, Yamazaki Tsutomu, and Kagawa Kyoko who don't need words and are able to express through every inch of their body; all of which made this one hell of an experience. Only Kurosawa [and another director from India- Satyajit Ray] could use such a simple plot to tell a story from different compasses, moral, psychological, social and the list could go on.. To think this was released 60 years ago and yet, remains as amazing.
Words fall short, and I can't recommend this enough. Just WATCH IT.

There is one 1 thing I don't understand though [see spoiler]. Would appreciate anyone who could share their insight.

In case you're still interested to watch it, here's the link
https://fsharetv.io/watch/high-and-low-episode-1-tt0057565

It was an open secret that her husband was violent and had a mistress, and that was okay, and yet when she is seen merely walking with Keizo, people start spreading rumours and thinking of her as an immoral woman. The husband is already dead and yet they expect her to fulfill the role of a widow, shut off her desires and just remain a mother to the kid. SIGH... The brother-in-law who claimed to love her also judged her the same way by telling the father to hold off the convo with her.

Also, the callousness with which Keizo tells people to write whatever they want, that too when she already rejected him. URGH. Like you're openly admitting to your feelings but don't care how others will see her and treat her?! Your 'truth' is convenient for you. How manly to own up to your feelings, with little regard for the other party.

The ending was sad. If only she had the courage Keizo's sister had. Sigh.

"Why do you seek to tear off your own wings?"
Small town melodrama, with Takamine Hideko playing a pitiful, virtuous, and conflicted widow for the nth time. A social commentary depicting the status of women in society at that time, especially widows, and the privilege men enjoyed over women in the choices they were able to make. Having said that, I enjoyed the film's ultimate message in that any choice begins with the courage to see it through and disregard hearsay opinions. All in all, an important film for its time and probably still as culturally relevant for certain sections of society.

I am still catching up on his works but I highly recommend these movies -
Rashomon
High and Low
Ran
Ikiru
The Bad Sleep Well
Seven Samurai
Dreams
Red Beard
Kagemusha

Too bad he's not as famous internationally.
I liked a lot of his movies.

As with most Japanese content on this site, the rating is too low.
Stunningly shot, and written with a lot of heart and care, this was an understated and tender love story with effortless performances by Honda Kyoya and Suzuki Kosuke. In just 6 episodes, they managed to tell such a complete and beautiful story.
Highly recommended for all :)

He has such a softness to his face.. every time I see him on screen I am like 'PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS'
HAHA

Looking forward to your subs!
Thank you in advance :)

The twist was a little too obvious. Decent movie, though.

I live by the same principle as the mum; 'do unto others as you would have others do unto you'.
It's easy to not care about others esp when they hurt you, but kindness goes a long way.

Still hoping someone will sub this some day..

Naruse Mikiko's last film and probably his saddest. An understated love story of 2 individuals who are bound to each other by a tragedy, which unfortunately is also the reason that keeps them away. A solid film with a quiet presence that draws in you more and more as the tension between the leads builds up, complemented by some beautiful landscapes. In the end, I felt sad for their plight.

The ending was kinda creepy with the return of her giggle like they had zero regrets that the wife literally just died and were just happy in their bubble LOL.
So much for those tears when the wife found out and slapped her.
The fact that they made this into some sort of normal happy love story bothered me a little. That too for 1948. Oh well.
Lucky them.
NOTE: Engage in affairs only with people who have spouses on the deathbed LOL

This was your typical film about an older man attracted to younger FL's beauty and youth, with a sick jealous wife who sensed it coming from the moment she met the FL. There was nothing particularly memorable about it, though it might have been a revolutionary film for 1948.
Also, this is the 1st film I didn't like Hara Setsuko in. Her constant smile and giggle in the 1st hour or so looked very fake to me and turned me off.

I'm late to this article, but I discovered her very recently and intend to watch as many of her works as I can.
Thank you for such a well-written fan guide :)

Mad RESPECT for the fact that she lived her life on her own terms.

KUROKI HARU AND SUZUKI RYOHEI
OMGGGGGGGGGGGG
I GOTTA WATCH THIS