Review: Madadayo (1993)

Madadayo is another film from the master of Japanese cinema, and possibly the best writer/director that has ever existed in the history of movie making, Akira Kurosawa.  It was his 30^th film and the last one that he was able to make before he was snatched away from his hordes of loyal followers.  While many people do not see Madadayo as Kurosawa’s best work (that seems to be exclusively reserved for Seven Samurai, Yojimbo and Rashomon), I personally consider it my favorite.  Not for the swordplay and intensity that Kurosawa’s movies are usually known for, but for the deep and insightful look at being human that it provides.

Madadayo (translated as “not yet”) is based on the life of one of Kurosawa’s real life heroes, professor and author Hyakken Uchida.  In effect, the movie is a tribute to his life, one that affected the way Kurosawa saw the world profoundly.  The screenplay is based directly on Uchida’s essays and other autobiographical works, and so paints an accurate picture.

The story follows Uchida, played by Tatsuo Matsumura, as he retires from his teaching job and attempts to live out the rest of his life despite the onslaught of World War II and 

various other turns of fate which make things less-than-easy for him.  The interaction between Uchida, his students and his wife are the core of the tale, traced across time as he grows older and more vulnerable.  It is, in essence, a tale about relationships, loyalty, respect and love.

Madadayo is not only a tribute to Hyakken Uchida, but also to Kurosawa, whose masterful skills and wisdom come to a peak in this film.  Anyone looking to think deep thoughts and gain some insight into the world would do well to sit down and spend the 2 hours and 15 minutes to watch this film.