Akira Kurosawa’s 1990 film, Dreams (Yume), is a visually stunning and deeply introspective work, quite unlike the action-packed connotations that might come with a search for something like a “Tokyo Drifter Parents Guide.” While Tokyo Drifter is a vibrant, stylized gangster film, Kurosawa’s Dreams delves into the director’s own subconscious, presenting a series of eight vignettes based on his actual dreams. This review aims to guide viewers, particularly parents considering the film’s themes and content, through the rich tapestry of Kurosawa’s cinematic dreamscape.
This isn’t a film driven by a conventional narrative but rather by powerful imagery and symbolic storytelling. Kurosawa utilizes childhood memories, Japanese folklore, and his profound moral convictions to weave together these loosely connected episodes. The overarching mood is one of gentle melancholy, with moments of stark beauty and poignant reflection. Few sequences could be described as purely cheerful; instead, many carry undertones of sadness, contemplation, and a quiet sense of unease.
This melancholic atmosphere serves a distinct purpose: to convey meaningful messages about humanity and the world. One particularly impactful segment, “The Tunnel,” poignantly illustrates the lingering trauma of war. A Commander encounters the ghosts of soldiers he led to their deaths. One soldier, undeniably deceased, points towards his home in the valley below, uttering the simple, heartbreaking words, “My parents are there.” His stoic denial of his own death and his reluctance to leave the earthly realm powerfully depict the tragic consequences of conflict. This scene is followed by an even more haunting image: the entire company of spectral soldiers returning to salute their Commander. Row upon row of emotionless faces confront him, unable to accept their fate as he grapples with the weight of his command decisions.
Another notable sequence, “The Peach Orchard,” offers a moment of serene beauty amidst the film’s overall somber tone. Here, a graceful dance unfolds within a blossoming peach orchard. The performers, representing the living embodiments of peach festival dolls, are adorned in exquisite and vibrant costumes. Their layered kimonos, resembling elaborate winter garments, evoke a sense of courtly elegance and are truly captivating. The measured music and slow, deliberate movements of the dance, enhanced by the doll-like white masks, create a regal and deeply evocative scene.
The final four dream sequences are unified by a recurring character: a traveler, identifiable by his hat and bag, who observes and interacts with the unfolding dream worlds. His journey takes him through a vibrant wheat field where he encounters Vincent van Gogh immersed in his painting, then through a horrifying depiction of Mount Fuji erupting as nuclear reactors explode, leading to a demon-infested wasteland, and finally culminating in a peaceful village nestled beside a clear, flowing stream. Kurosawa’s message in these segments becomes increasingly direct: humanity is damaging the natural world through pollution, unchecked consumerism, and ignorance. While some viewers might find this message heavy-handed, particularly those holding more mainstream viewpoints, others will find resonance in Kurosawa’s environmental concerns.
Overall, Dreams is a film that demands patience and rewards contemplation. Its deliberate pace, while potentially challenging for viewers accustomed to fast-paced cinema, is essential to its impact. The measured rhythm allows the visual storytelling and thematic depth to fully resonate. While the film’s pacing might not appeal to all viewers seeking immediate entertainment, it is integral to conveying Kurosawa’s profound message. For those who appreciate artful cinema and are willing to embrace a slower, more reflective viewing experience, Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams offers a unique and rewarding journey into the mind of a cinematic master. The film ultimately leaves the viewer with a simple yet powerful message, embodied in the words of a wise villager: “What’s important is clean air and clean water.” A sentiment that resonates deeply, regardless of one’s background or perspective, and a valuable takeaway for viewers of all ages, including parents considering the kind of world they wish to leave for future generations.
7 horned demons out of 10.
