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The Films of Akira Kurosawa, Third Edition, Expanded and Updated

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Donald Richie's The Films of Akira Kurosawa, Third Edition, Expanded and Updated offers a comprehensive study of Kurosawa's distinguished career. The book covers his cinematic masterpieces, from the philosophical and complex Rashomon to the moral depths of Ikiru, the fierce drama of Seven Samurai, and the sharp wit of Yojimbo, among others. This edition features updated information and new chapters on films like Ran, Dreams, Rhapsody in August, and Madadayo, illuminating why Kurosawa remains one of the 20th century's greatest film directors who elevated cinema into a distinctive art form.
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Ideal for film scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the art of cinema, especially those keen to explore the works of one of Japanese film's greatest directors.

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This study examines the work of Akira Kurosawa, one of the century's greatest film directors. It discusses his choice of themes, story-telling technique, camera work and directorial style. New to this edition are a revised introduction and filmography, and some additional chapters.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Film scholars and enthusiasts should welcome this third edition of Donald Richie's study. The introduction and filmography contain updated information, and Richie has added chapters on Ran, Dreams, Rhapsody in August, and Madadayo.

Kurosawa remains as arguably one of the 20th century's greatest film directors. Through his long, distinguished career, he has managed, like very few others in the teeth of a huge and relentless industry, to elevate each of his films to a distinctive level of art.

His Rashomonβ€”one of the best-remembered and most talked-about films in any languageβ€”was a revelation when it appeared in 1950 and did much to bring Japanese cinema to the world's attention. Kurosawa's films display a breadth and an astonishing strength, from the philosophic and sexual complexity of Rashomon to the moral dedication of Ikiru, from the naked violence of Seven Samurai to the savage comedy of Yojimbo, from the terror-filled feudalism of Throne of Blood to the wit of Sanjuro.

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Praised as "a gratifying study for both film buff and critic" by Kirkus Reviews, this seminal work is lauded as "a masterpiece of film criticism" by Bloomsbury Review. The Saturday Review calls it "definitive, readable, and a virtual model for future studies in the field."

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520220379

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 January 1999

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Edition: 3rd edition

Illustration: 189 b-w photographs

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 251.0mm

Height: 251.0mm

Weight: 953g

Pages: 274

About the Author

Donald Richie is the Arts Critic for The Japan Times.

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