The Lower Depths 1957
Akira Kurosawa's *The Lower Depths (1957)* plunges into the grimy, morally complex world of a run-down Edo-period boardinghouse, where the desperate and the broken collide in a story of love, betrayal, and vengeance.
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast
Toshirō Mifune
Sutekichi the Thief
Isuzu Yamada
Osugi the Landlady
Kyōko Kagawa
Okayo, Osugi's Sister
Ganjirō Nakamura II
Rokubei, Osugi's Husband
Minoru Chiaki
Former Samurai
Kamatari Fujiwara
The Actor
Akemi Negishi
Osen the Prostitute
Nijiko Kiyokawa
Otaki the Candy-Seller
Kōji Mitsui
Yoshisaburo the Gambler
Eijirō Tōno
Tomekichi the Tinker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Lower Depths (1957)* about?
Set in a squalid boardinghouse in 19th-century Japan, the film follows a love triangle that spirals into violence. When Sutekichi, a thief, abandons his affair with the landlady Osugi for her younger sister Okayo, Osugi's jealousy erupts into vengeance, exposing the betrayal and igniting a dangerous chain of events.
Who directed *The Lower Depths*?
Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese filmmaker behind classics like *Seven Samurai* and *Rashomon*, directed *The Lower Depths (1957)*.
Who stars in *The Lower Depths*?
The film stars Toshirō Mifune as the volatile Sutekichi, Isuzu Yamada as the vengeful Osugi, and Kyōko Kagawa as the innocent Okayo, alongside supporting roles by Ganjirō Nakamura II and Minoru Chiaki.
Is *The Lower Depths (1957)* worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate raw, character-driven dramas with moral depth. Kurosawa's direction and the intense performances make it a compelling watch, though its bleak themes may not suit all audiences. Fans of period films and psychological tension will find it rewarding.
How long is *The Lower Depths*?
The film runs for 125 minutes, offering a tight, immersive experience in Kurosawa's world.
About The Lower Depths (1957) — Akira Kurosawa's dark, powerful period drama full film details
Akira Kurosawa's *The Lower Depths (1957)* plunges into the grimy, morally complex world of a run-down Edo-period boardinghouse, where the desperate and the broken collide in a story of love, betrayal, and vengeance. At its heart is a vicious love triangle: Sutekichi, a reckless thief, abandons his affair with the landlady Osugi to pursue Okayo, her innocent younger sister. Osugi's wrath erupts when she exposes Sutekichi's deceit to her jealous husband, turning passion into a dangerous spiral of violence. Kurosawa masterfully weaves themes of human desperation and societal decay into a raw, atmospheric drama that lingers long after the final scene.
With Toshirō Mifune at his most volatile as the tormented Sutekichi, the film crackles with tension and emotional intensity. Isuzu Yamada delivers a chilling performance as the vengeful Osugi, while Kyōko Kagawa radiates quiet pathos as the object of desire. Set against the stark backdrop of 19th-century Japan, *The Lower Depths (1957)* is a gripping exploration of human flaws—where survival and desire blur into tragedy.
