Akira Kurosawa's Dreams Details

This is one of the Japanese master's weakest films, despite (or, as some might say, because of) the presence of several Hollywood luminaries. Though still demonstrating the stylistic versatility and genius for composition that characterises his previous works, the 80-year-old Kurosawa here reveals a regrettable tendency towards self-indulgence and political naivety. Although his environmentalism is heart-felt, the messages contained in the eight vignettes that make up the film are muddled and often pompously expressed. There is great beauty to be found, however, notably in the vibrant colours of the Crows segment (featuring Martin Scorsese as Vincent van Gogh) and in the haunting tune accompanying the funeral procession during the concluding Village of the Watermills.

Depicting, rather indulgently, a number of dreams vaguely intended to reflect Kurosawa's life and abiding obsessions,... read more on Time Out