AK

Akira Kurosawa was born 110 years ago today.  He's one of the big three of 20th century Japanese cinema, and probably the best known. (The other two are Ozu and Mizoguchi.) He was also the most Western of Japanese directors, which made his films play well around the world, though perhaps cost him some prestige in Japan (or so I've heard).

A true auteur, he wrote and directed his work.  He was active for fifty years, from the 40s to the 90s.  If I had to pick his top ten, it would be a tough task.  So here's my list, though it might change tomorrow. (Also, note it's chronological.)

1.  Stray Dog (1949)
2.  Rashomon (1950)
3.  Ikiru (1952)
4.  Seven Samurai (1954)
5.  Throne Of Blood (1957)
6.  The Hidden Fortress (1958)
7.  Yojimbo (1960)
8.  Sanjuro (1961)
9.  High And Low (1963)
10.  Red Beard (1965)

I think Rashomon has become more famous as an idea--different points of view leading to different stories--than as a film (unfortunately).

Seven Samurai has been copied quite a few times (which is only fair since Kurosawa had no trouble taking others' ideas to see what he could do with them).

Kurosawa was a fan of Shakespeare--thus, for instance, Throne Of Blood is his version of Macbeth.

The Hidden Fortress didn't used to be as famous as some of these other titles. Then George Lucas took from it for Star Wars and now everyone knows it.

Sanjuro is a sequel to Yojimbo.  Kurosawa, or his producers, at least, knew a good thing when they saw it.

His most famous collaborator is Toshiro Mifune, who appeared in 16 of Kurosawa's films, including all those listed above expect Ikiru.  I'd say Mifune is most famous for Rashomon, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, yet I think my favorite moment in any Kurosawa film is when Mifune goes nuts early on in High And Low, berating his employees for the shoddy shoes they want to manufacture.

As you can see from the list, I prefer his "earlier" films--that is, from the 40s through the 60s.