Something Like an Autobiography Audiobook By Akira Kurosawa cover art

Something Like an Autobiography

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Something Like an Autobiography

By: Akira Kurosawa
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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The distinguished filmmaker chronicles his life, from his birth in 1910 to the worldwide success in 1950 of his film Rashomon, and provides a provocative account of the Japanese film industry.

©1982 Akira Kurosawa. Appendix copyright 1975 by Toho Company, Ltd., Japan. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing Direction & Production Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Japanese Film

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I started going through Kurosawa’s films a few months ago and am still going through them as of the writing of this review and I have watched all of the films covered. Let me just say that this was fascinating to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth about what molded him into one of the finest directors ever in the history of cinema. My only real complaint is that he wouldn’t oblige us with his analysis of some of his more popular films like Ikiru and Seven Samurai. My theory is that he doesn’t want to talk at length about Toshiro Mifune. As he’s only touched on when desperately needed. If you’re looking to learn about the production of those films and films made post-Rashomon, you’ll be as disappointed as I was. That being said, this was a beautifully crafted biography exploring the man behind the camera and learning about his earlier works makes me want to rewatch those films in a new context.

Outstanding Origin Of The Rise Of The Best Director To Come Out Of Japan

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This book covers the life of Akira Kurosawa from his birth to the release of his film Rashomon, which launched him to international fame.

Only the last third or so actually deals with his experiences as a director, and it only covers the first 11 of his 30 films, excluding many of his most famous films, like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. Of course, I would have preferred a book that offered his insights into these works. And the movies he did discuss usually only get a brief chapter each, with only one or two anecdotes or discussions of his thought process when making the film.

BUT his musings on his childhood in pre-WW2 Japan are beautiful and moving in their own right. They read like a great novel, full of mood and psychological insight. Kurosawa is very frank with his audience, and isn't afraid to talk about his own weaknesses and embarrassments.

Fans of his films may be disappointed in the lack of deep discussion of his films. But if you think of this as a book about the filmmaker, and only secondarily about the films, you will really enjoy this book.

The narration is excellent, and really captures the essence of Kurosawa's personality.

The early life of Kurosawa

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Beautiful insight to the genius Akira Kurosawa. Very inspirational. The narrator is great. Very smooth voice. Very engaging

Beautiful

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a very great and well told experience. Akira Kurosawa is very inspirational. This a must read for film and television enthusiasts.

inspiration for movie making.

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