Akira Kurosawa is known as one of the greatest filmmakers in history. His impressive catalogue includes ground-breaking hits such as Rashomon, Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood; these are just a few of his films that completely shook up cinema. Kurosawa’s work is highlighly regarded, but there is one film that is rightly seen as his worst – I Live in Fear.
The movie follows the patriarch of a family, played by frequent collaborator Toshiro Mifune, who suffers a mental breakdown after experiencing World War II and the atomic bombings in Japan. As he grows more and more paranoid, he attempts to move his entire family, both his legitimate family and his mistress, to Brazil.
His family decide that they want to make their own decision on the matter and take their father to court. Takashi Shimura plays the mediator who must decide if Mifune’s Kiichi Nakajima is really crazy or just being a cautionary father.
If I’m completely honest, I Live in Fear is not an enjoyable experience. The film feels unpolished and not at all in line with Kurosawa’s masterful style. Overall the film is disconnected between the actors and the tone of the film. Mifune is put in an emphasised costume and makeup, and his acting is too comedic for the setting and theme of this film.
It’s disappointing that Mifune is more of a caricature than a serious representation of a character. Perhaps if Kurosawa swapped the roles of Mifune and Shimura, the film would’ve felt more cohesive. Shimura is a more mature actor and a better fit for the role as Mifune was too wild and unpredictable for this feature.
I Live in Fear feels unfinished and almost rushed. It was originally supposed to be a comedy and satire of fear in Japan but was changed due to a drama after the death of Kurosawa’s friend and collaborator, Fumio Hayasaka. When it was released, I Live in Fear bombed at the box office and confused critics.
Years later, it has been praised for the bravery of its subject matter, but overall film fans believe Kurosawa’s uncertainty causes the movie to lose its edge. As a huge Kurosawa fan, I appreciate the message but the film doesn’t reflect his genius or style at all.
If you’re a fan of Japanese cinema, then I Live in Fear should be a must-watch just to see how some in Japan dealt with the aftermath of the atomic bombings – but it won’t necessarily let you see a good quality movie.
Score: 4/10
Copyright: Toho
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