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





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.