Madadayo
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Movie Reviews of Madadayo
Movie Review: Kurosawa's last film -- a quiet masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This was Akira Kurosawa's final film, and appropriately it fell into the camp of his quieter, more reflective films. It is the story of a full life that takes place after most would say that life is over, the story of a teacher's experiences after retirement -- filled with drama, heartbreak, tragedy, joy and the love and devotion of his former students, who care for the aging man and his loyal wife, giving him a birthday party each year in which part of the ritual becomes the cry and response of his students chanting: Maadha Kai (ready?) and his reply: Madadayo (not yet!) -- he is not ready to die.In the film's final scene, several students watch over the professor as he sleeps. He has been ill and they wonder what he is dreaming about. We become privy to the dream -- the professor is a young boy playing hide-and-seek. The children are waiting for him to hide, calling out Maadha Kai (are you ready?) and as he searches in the hay piles for a place to hide, he replies Madadayo (not yet), until he is distracted by the beautiful sky, and pauses to look at the surreal swirling clouds.
One cannot see this film without thinking of Kurosawa himself, surrounded by those who loved and respected him, enjoying life, looking back and dreaming of his past (Akira Kurosawa's Dreams had come out three years before). A lovely film which will be enjoyed by many but appreciated most by Kurosawa fans.
DVD extras include a trailer, filmographies and 6 beautiful watercolor storyboard illustrations. The film is in Japanese with optional English subtitles.
Movie Review: Kurosawa's final film -- a quiet masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This was Akira Kurosawa's final film, and appropriately it fell into the camp of his quieter, more reflective films. It is the story of a full life that takes place after most would say that life is over, the story of a teacher's experiences after retirement -- filled with drama, heartbreak, tragedy, joy and the love and devotion of his former students, who care for the aging man and his loyal wife, giving him a birthday party each year in which part of the ritual becomes the cry and response of his students chanting: Maadha Kai (ready?) and his reply: Madadayo (not yet!) -- he is not ready to die.In the film's final scene, several students watch over the professor as he sleeps. He has been ill and they wonder what he is dreaming about. We become privy to the dream -- the professor is a young boy playing hide-and-seek. The children are waiting for him to hide, calling out Maadha Kai (are you ready?) and as he searches in the hay piles for a place to hide, he replies Madadayo (not yet), until he is distracted by the beautiful sky, and pauses to look at the surreal swirling clouds.
One cannot see this film without thinking of Kurosawa himself, surrounded by those who loved and respected him, enjoying life, looking back and dreaming of his past (Akira Kurosawa's Dreams had come out two years before). A lovely film which will be appreciated most by Kurosawa fans.
DVD extras include a trailer, filmographies and 6 beautiful watercolor storyboard illustrations. The film is in Japanese with optional English subtitles.
Movie Review: Grow old in peace and love
Summary: 5 Stars
"Madadayo" is an unflinchingly sentimental film, in the same vein as "It's a Wonderful Life." It is a story that only an old man could have told, dealing with the love of growing old, and being surrounded by people who love you. There is no bitterness in the Professor's growing old, only the satisfaction of a life well lived, that is not over yet. It is an incredible, moving piece of art.The story is so simple, and deeply personal that connection is easy. Starting at age 60, when the Professor is "officially an old man," his former students through him a birthday party. At the party, two things happen. First, he must drink a very large glass of beer in one breath. Second, his students ask him "Maadha kai?" ("Are you ready?"), and he sings back "Madadayo" ("Not yet.") Not yet ready to die.
Like the characters in the story, I too loved the professor, and felt that something would be missing from the world, the day "Madadayo" does not come ringing back in response. There are no villains, no life or death struggles, no sharp pains. Just wonderful people being excellent to each other, and making the best out of their brief time alive.
"Madadayo" is also deeply rooted in Japanese culture and sympathies, and this is the first Kurosawa film that I have seen where I feel I have a deeper understanding due to my time spent living in Japan. The enkais, the scenery, the values, it is all familiar. And familiarity and nostalgia are largely what "Madadayo" is about.
Movie Review: Quietly amazing...
Summary: 5 Stars
This turned out to be Kurosawa's final film. Of course, he did not intend it to be so, but it just turned out that way. I saw this film in 1997 (4 years after it was made. It didn't get distribution here in the States), and was struck about how funny, touching, and humanistic it was. And how wonderful. It really has a lot in common with Kurosawa's 2 other films from this period (Dreams and Rhapsody in August), in that it's more humanistic and loving that Akira's previous films, which were bleak in their assessment of human nature (but were still great films). A great director/artist like Kurosawa never says "this is my final film" because if he did, he'd be finished. He thought like this after the financial failure of Dodeskaden (he tried to kill himself shortly thereafter. Luckily, he failed). He did not die, and he went on to make 6 more films, several of which (Dersu Uzala, Ran, Dreams, and this film) are masterpieces. The drinking party in the middle of the film is one of Kurosawa's greatest sequences. It's brilliantly shot, acted, and edited together. Kurosawa was very fond of using multiple cameras, which enabled him to allow the actors to be freer and not have to repeat themselves in subsequent takes. This is gloriously rendered in the drinking party scene. I loved this film when I saw it, and it still remains one of my favorite Kurosawa films.Movie Review: The admirable farewell of a genius!
Summary: 5 Stars
The admirable artistic personality of Akira Kurosawa had never allowed for himself a minimum expression of self pity or self indulgence, even the end was close. Moreover, his undeniable talent allowed him to write two script, he never reached to conclude due the death avoided it.
Curiously, Madadayo is a simple chamber work; an intimate portrait who rejoins with the little details of a sturdy and devoted life. Their pupils love and admire him perhaps even more than their respective fathers. They enjoy his enviable humor sense, his single wisdom, his smart fearlessness, his magnetic charisma and engaging personality. Every birthday they are present to express him the solemn gratitude and fondness.
In spite of the fact Kurosawa was in his 75th anniversary, his untiring handle of camera will be subject of constant analysis for newcomers, viewers of the future when all of us are absent. The love for life and sensitivity expands itself around the loss of his beloved cat. What else can I say about this extraordinary jeweled film?
Go for it and please, treasure it for the moment you and I are lucky to arrive to those golden years. But meanwhile take your time and forget about all the previous comments. This will be a never before experience for your senses, soul and spirit.