Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths' Poster

Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths' 2002

33 min📅 2002-10-25

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Akira Kurosawa's 1957 masterpiece *The Lower Depths* with this insightful 2002 documentary.

Director: Yoshinari Okamoto

Cast

Masayuki Yui
Masayuki Yui
Narrator
Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa
Self
Yoshirō Muraki
Yoshirō Muraki
Self
Kyōko Kagawa
Kyōko Kagawa
Self
Yū Fujiki
Yū Fujiki
Self
Yoshio Tsuchiya
Yoshio Tsuchiya
Self
Takeshi Katō
Takeshi Katō
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths' (2002) about?

This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Akira Kurosawa's 1957 film *The Lower Depths*, examining its production, themes, and the director's creative choices. It features interviews with cast and crew, providing context for the film's stark portrayal of poverty and human struggle.

Who directed Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths'?

Director Yoshinari Okamoto helmed this documentary as part of Toho's *Masterworks* series.

Who stars in Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths'?

The documentary includes appearances from Masayuki Yui, Yoshirō Muraki, Kyōko Kagawa, and Yoshio Tsuchiya, along with archival insights from Kurosawa himself.

Is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths' (2002) worth watching?

As a documentary about a classic film, it's a fascinating watch for Kurosawa fans and those interested in mid-century Japanese cinema. While it's niche, its brevity and focus on a lesser-known Kurosawa work make it a rewarding addition for enthusiasts.

How long is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths'?

The documentary runs for 33 minutes.

About Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Lower Depths' (2002) — Behind-the-scenes documentary exploring Kurosawa's 1957 masterpiece

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Akira Kurosawa's 1957 masterpiece *The Lower Depths* with this insightful 2002 documentary. Part of Toho's *Masterworks* series, the short film explores the making of Kurosawa's gritty adaptation of Maxim Gorky's play, delving into the director's signature blend of social realism and human drama. Through interviews and archival footage, director Yoshinari Okamoto sheds light on Kurosawa's creative process and the challenges of bringing such a raw, atmospheric story to life. The documentary captures the stark, immersive tone of the original film, offering fans a glimpse into the collaborative efforts behind one of Kurosawa's most underrated works.

Perfect for cinephiles and Kurosawa enthusiasts, this 33-minute documentary blends nostalgia with analysis, featuring reflections from key collaborators like Yoshirō Muraki and Kyōko Kagawa. It's a tribute to both the film and its enduring themes of poverty, resilience, and the human spirit, making it a must-watch for anyone invested in classic Japanese cinema. Whether you're revisiting *The Lower Depths* or discovering it for the first time, this documentary adds depth to your appreciation of Kurosawa's genius.