Rating: 
Summary: simplistic
Review: I'd read a previous review that referred to this book as "coffee-table Kurosawa," and so was expecting, for some reason, large color photos for at least some of the later films. There are stills for every movie; but they aren't necessarily large, and they are all in black & white.I found the text to be clumsy and choppy, and the synopses generally uninsightful. Richie presents simple ideas as if they were the most elite esoterica. You benefit more from actually watching the films than from reading this book. Much of the information contained herein is duplicated (and presented with more grace) in Kurosawa's own "Gama no Abura." [ISBN:0394714393]
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic book !!!!
Review: I've been a fan of Akira Kurosawa since I was a kid, but really have not much information about his movie list, his directing style nor his gang of staple actors...until I got this fantastic book. I wouldnt call it a book, rather to me , its like a reference, pictorial book, an encyclopedia that even a newbie to Akira kurosawa's work will enjoy. Its very user friendly, and has all his movie listed by years and actors catogorized by movies and even style of direction in each section of each movie. But be warn, as soon as you learn more about Kurosawa's work and if you have experienced a few of his movies and you enjoyed them very much....this book is going to make you wanting to see his rare and hard to find stuff....can be a frustrating and difficult treasure hunt, as mentioned by another reviewer, yet exhilarating.!!! I LOVE it !!!! Thanks for this edition .
Rating:
Summary: Why Kurosawa is Kurosawa
Review: If you ever wondered why Kurosawa is considered as one og the greatest directors in cinema history, then you should read this book. And only then you can really enjoy AK`s movies. Perhaps the best book on directors ever written.
Rating:
Summary: INDISPENSABLE
Review: if you've ever seen a kurosawa film and weren't moved beyond words don't bother reading this book. for all the rest of us, sit back and enjoy. a thoughtful, insightful, magnificent look at the master. superb. (for the record, my favorite kurosawa films: (1) the seven samurai (2) ikiru (3) ran.)
Rating:
Summary: Does a genius justice
Review: My mother took me to the first Kurosawa film I can remember ("Ikiru") when I was probably about five. I was not in a position to appreciate it then, of course, but a couple of images stuck with me forever. I saw a few more Kurosawas in high school, fortunately -- the earlier, butchered "Seven Samurai," "Yojimbo," possibly one or two more -- and many others when I got to college in Boston. Kurosawa was one of the true artistic geniuses of the twentieth century. His career as a screenwriter began during the Second World War and as a director shortly after it. Despite the strange culture and often historic settings of his stories, Kurosawa is perhaps the most "Western" of Japanese film directors up to the 1970s. The plots have a clarity, and the action (Samurai sword battles, for instance) a vibrancy, that grip a viewer in a way lesser filmmakers on both sides of the Pacific cannot hope to match. His work has probably influenced more other filmmakers than any director in or out of the US. Other reviewers have named names; as to specific works, "Rashomon" was remade as "The Outrage," "Seven Samurai" turned into "The Magnificent Seven," "Yojimbo" became "A Fistful of Dollars," and "The Hidden Fortress" inspired "Star Wars." In turn, Kurosawa made films based on the plots of "Macbeth," "King Lear," Dostoevsky's "The Idiot," and Gorky's "The Lower Depths." Richie's book does this incredible writer and director's work full justice. His discussion of plotting, acting, editing technique, and all the other aspects of this great artist's work only deepen one's appreciation for what already loves on screen. I have an original hardcover copy as well as the third revised edition in paperback.
Rating:
Summary: Does a genius justice
Review: My mother took me to the first Kurosawa film I can remember ("Ikiru") when I was probably about five. I was not in a position to appreciate it then, of course, but a couple of images stuck with me forever. I saw a few more Kurosawas in high school, fortunately -- the earlier, butchered "Seven Samurai," "Yojimbo," possibly one or two more -- and many others when I got to college in Boston. Kurosawa was one of the true artistic geniuses of the twentieth century. His career as a screenwriter began during the Second World War and as a director shortly after it. Despite the strange culture and often historic settings of his stories, Kurosawa is perhaps the most "Western" of Japanese film directors up to the 1970s. The plots have a clarity, and the action (Samurai sword battles, for instance) a vibrancy, that grip a viewer in a way lesser filmmakers on both sides of the Pacific cannot hope to match. His work has probably influenced more other filmmakers than any director in or out of the US. Other reviewers have named names; as to specific works, "Rashomon" was remade as "The Outrage," "Seven Samurai" turned into "The Magnificent Seven," "Yojimbo" became "A Fistful of Dollars," and "The Hidden Fortress" inspired "Star Wars." In turn, Kurosawa made films based on the plots of "Macbeth," "King Lear," Dostoevsky's "The Idiot," and Gorky's "The Lower Depths." Richie's book does this incredible writer and director's work full justice. His discussion of plotting, acting, editing technique, and all the other aspects of this great artist's work only deepen one's appreciation for what already loves on screen. I have an original hardcover copy as well as the third revised edition in paperback.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular introduction to great filmmaker
Review: Richie shows a passion for one of the world's greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. He focuses on the films themselves instead of relying to much on biographical information to show the real Kurosawa. He looks at all of his films regardless of their obscurity. I think the great thing about Richie is his particular attention to how moving and humanistic Kurosawa's movies were and still are. Richie argues that his humanism is what allows KUROSAWA to stand head and shoulders above most filmmakers. The film stills are the real treasure in this book. They give a unique look at the films as artistic masterpieces, and how Kurosawa made good use of his training as a painter in his early years. All in all this book is absolutely essential for people who love film in general and Kurosawa fans.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular introduction to great filmmaker
Review: Richie shows a passion for one of the world's greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. He focuses on the films themselves instead of relying to much on biographical information to show the real Kurosawa. He looks at all of his films regardless of their obscurity. I think the great thing about Richie is his particular attention to how moving and humanistic Kurosawa's movies were and still are. Richie argues that his humanism is what allows KUROSAWA to stand head and shoulders above most filmmakers. The film stills are the real treasure in this book. They give a unique look at the films as artistic masterpieces, and how Kurosawa made good use of his training as a painter in his early years. All in all this book is absolutely essential for people who love film in general and Kurosawa fans.
Rating:
Summary: I think everyone agrees this book is indispensable
Review: Summaries, basic analyses of every Kurosawa movie. Many vivid stills, recollecting the most powerful moments of the films. If I had any complaint about the book, it would be that the commentary is a little one-sided in favor of Kurosawa, neglecting the occasional flaw. As I believe Kurosawa to one of the greatest directors, however, this is not really a problem! If you have any interest in Kurosawa at all, this is the book to have. Especially for cast lists, production information, if you are new to the genre.
Rating:
Summary: I think everyone agrees this book is indispensable
Review: Summaries, basic analyses of every Kurosawa movie. Many vivid stills, recollecting the most powerful moments of the films. If I had any complaint about the book, it would be that the commentary is a little one-sided in favor of Kurosawa, neglecting the occasional flaw. As I believe Kurosawa to one of the greatest directors, however, this is not really a problem! If you have any interest in Kurosawa at all, this is the book to have. Especially for cast lists, production information, if you are new to the genre.
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