Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den' Poster

Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den' 2002

36 min📅 2002-10-25

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Akira Kurosawa's *Dodes'ka-den* with this 36-minute documentary from Yoshinari Okamoto, part of Toho's *Masterworks* reissue series.

Director: Yoshinari Okamoto

Cast

Masayuki Yui
Masayuki Yui
Narrator
Yōichi Matsue
Self
Yoshirō Muraki
Yoshirō Muraki
Self
Kazuko Kurosawa
Self
Shinobu Hashimoto
Shinobu Hashimoto
Self
Yoshitaka Zushi
Yoshitaka Zushi
Self
Teruyo Nogami
Teruyo Nogami
Self
Daisaku Kimura
Self
Tadashi Sakai
Self
Takao Saitō
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den' (2002) about?

This documentary revisits Akira Kurosawa's 1970 film *Dodes'ka-den*, exploring its production, themes of poverty and community, and the director's unique approach to storytelling. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes material, it highlights why this underrated work remains a vital part of Kurosawa's filmography.

Who directed Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den'?

The documentary was directed by Yoshinari Okamoto. Okamoto's film is part of a series focused on celebrating and recontextualizing Kurosawa's classics for modern audiences.

Who stars in Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den'?

The documentary features Masayuki Yui, Yōichi Matsue, Yoshirō Muraki, Kazuko Kurosawa, and Shinobu Hashimoto among its key contributors and interviewees.

Is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den' (2002) worth watching?

As a short documentary celebrating Kurosawa's overlooked 1970 film, this 36-minute feature offers rich insights for fans of Japanese cinema. While it won't replace the original, it's a compelling watch for those interested in the director's lesser-known works and the creative process behind them.

How long is Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den'?

The documentary runs for 36 minutes.

About Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den' (2002) — The Story Behind a Lost Kurosawa Gem

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Akira Kurosawa's *Dodes'ka-den* with this 36-minute documentary from Yoshinari Okamoto, part of Toho's *Masterworks* reissue series. Released in 2002, this short film explores the making of Kurosawa's 1970 masterpiece—a vibrant, bittersweet portrait of marginalized lives in post-war Tokyo. Through archival interviews and rare footage, it captures the director's vision, the challenges of production, and the enduring legacy of a film celebrated for its humanism and striking visual storytelling.

A celebration of creativity and resilience, *Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Dodes'ka-den'* offers a glimpse into the artistic process of a legend. With a focus on the film's themes of hope and struggle, this documentary is a must-watch for Kurosawa enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the alchemy of cinema.