If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Absolutely Fantastic

A Masterpiece!

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

"Sanshiro Sugata" is a martial arts film with a conscience. It falls a little flat in places, but is for the most part a solid debut from legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Kurosawa's approach to his craft, which later won him global renown with masterpieces like "Rashomon" and "The Seven Samurai", is already evident in this story of a young man who begins his journey as an awkward, uncertain student, becomes a bullying hellion, and finally assumes the status of a champion judoka who has learned to fight honorably. Susumu Fujita is convincingly green and inexperienced as Sugata, and Ryunosuke Tsukigata cuts an imposing figure as his arch-opponent, Higaki; their climactic confrontation on a windswept mountainside is one of the truly great moments in martial arts cinema. If you've watched and enjoyed Kurosawa's more famous films, check out "Sanshiro Sugata" to see where it all began. Seven and a half stars.

Lo and behold, Akira Kurosawa! His 1943 debut shows promise, and this man has a thing for the use for weather and screen wipes. After spending 5 years as a second unit director, work began on this production trying to appeal to the Government requirements of a Wartime film. It has since been remade five times, and Japanese censors cut 17 minutes from it that has never been recovered.Based on the life of Shiro Saigo (Who one of the earliest disciples of Judo). Sanshiro is a hot headed young man, who travels to the city in order to learn Jujitsu, only to discover a new form of self defence: Judo. Among the path there is love and rivals that would make your typical high school teen movie blush.Though there is nothing wrong with the movie, I personally wouldn't rush yourself to see it. Whilst it has moments and methods Kurosawa would be particularly know for, it somewhat remains a relic given the censorship he faced from the times. One scene in particular that lasts when reminiscing is our hero chucking himself into a lake in order to prove himself. But I would only recommend this film to certain enthusiasts of Mr. Kurosawa's work, and even then I would rather sit you through one of his more famed masterpieces. If you really want to see Kurosawa put through obscure limitations then check out "Drunken Angel" (1948), where he managed to cleverly work around some U.S Government censorship.Final Verdict: A harmless story that proved popular among audiences enough for a sequel. Big things have small beginnings. 7/10.

First and foremost, in order to appreciate this film, one must face the fact that it is largely incomplete, due to the censorship of the time. Having that into consideration, you will most likely enjoy the film for what it is. Besides, if you are acquainted with Kurosawa's work, then you should not doubt giving this a try.The outstanding, mind-blowing camera-work that Kurosawa is known for is in a huge development process here, on account of this being his first work; however, even though not yet in a full-fledged form, everything that is meant to be portrayed comes through wonderfully. The story is another factor that definitely enhances the representation taking place in the film, as it matches perfectly with the cinematic techniques Kurosawa puts to work. If there are any inconveniences to be encountered throughout the course of the film, it would all obviously be as a result of the cut-off already mentioned.The conspicuous acting goes without saying; everyone in the film fits into their roll perfectly. The main character may probably come as overacted to an audience not familiarized with Kurosawa's work, or Japanese cinema for that matter; Susuma Fujita would not be as well-known as Toshiro Mifune would later become, but he undoubtedly does his best here.The film, despite the cut-off, works perfectly. One can just wonder how much better this could be if it were in its full form, as first conceived by the director.

Depth, What are you talking about?"...In the Japanese case, that was linked to matters of honor refracted through Shinto spirituality, honor of a past ideal that never really existed, which in US terms means what "conservatives" tout..."If you are going to judge the film on a political/societal basis then fine. Let's do that. This story line relative to societal reflections is either correct or not in it's themes, right? After all, propaganda can have certain truths. The scene where Sugata Sangiro is disgusted by the American boxers is quite poignant in my opinion. It speaks volumes about Western culture. And in this scene it accurately portrays the cautions and laments of adopting such a culture. Sanjiro is disappointed in the prospect of fighters having a match to the audience's amusement. So my question would be "is he wrong?". I think he's not. I see a very good cultural reflection in this scene, propaganda to you or not. I was impressed by the very forward-themed Karate brothers. The crazy Gennosuze (sp?) character is, to me, shocking in a film of this vintage. I never expected such a character. If you haven't seen this movie, you should, just for this one character.The comment about conservatives is just naive and frankly just an empty left-wing talking-point.