The Idiot
Dir: Kurosawa Akira
Japan, 1951, 166 minsmins, 35mm
Cast: Hara Setsuko, Mori Masayuki, Mifune Toshiro, Kuga Yoshiko
Kurosawa’s transposition of his favorite author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel is a sarcastic reflection of the post-war trauma of Japanese society. Kameda, an “idiot”, is caught in love and agony with his friend Akama and two girls who adore his pure soul. Akama’s jealousy grows and ultimately leads to a tragic ending. The film is one of the darkest, and most controversial, films for Kurosawa, who poured every ounce of effort and love into the story of an innocent man. In a role unlike any other in her career, Hara Setsuko plays a tempestuous, sexy woman, a far cry from the serenely smiling daughters in Ozu’s films.
Remarks
1. Screenings at Broadway Cinematheque are available at Broadway Cinematheque and website of Broadway Circuit only. For related ticketing information, please refer to www.cinema.com.hk.
2. Screenings at Emperor Cinemas iSQUARE, Emperor Cinemas Times Square and PREMIERE Elements : tickets are available at URBTIX till 5pm one day before respective screening, after which tickets will be available only at the box office of the respective venue on the day of screening, subject to availability.
3. Screenings at HK Arts Centre and M+ Cinema : tickets are available at URBTIX outlets until one hour before the screening, after which tickets are available at URBTIX website and mobile app. On-the-day tickets will also be available at the Self-service Ticketing Kiosk of the respective venue, subject to availability.
4. Unless otherwise stated, all films (except English-speaking films) are subtitled in English.
5. While it is the HKIFFS’s policy to secure the best possible print of the original version for all its screenings, the HKIFFS appreciates its patrons’ understanding on occasions when less than perfect screening copies are screened.
