Kein Bedauern für meine Jugend (1946)

Kein Bedauern für meine Jugend: Directed by Akira Kurosawa. With Setsuko Hara, Susumu Fujita, Denjirô Ôkôchi, Haruko Sugimura. The daughter of a politically disgraced university professor struggles to find a place for herself in love and life, in the uncertain world of Japan leading into WWII.

“While not among Kurasawau0026#39;s very best films, No Regrets For Our Youth is nonetheless very interesting and impressive. Marking his breakthrough as a film-maker, it is a great early effort from who I consider the king of Japanese cinema. Technically and visually, it cannot be faulted. The scenery is beautiful and epic still(though even more so in films like Seven Samurai, Kagemusha and Ran) and the camera work is sweeping and very accomplished in its technique. The script really helps to enhance the compelling and very moving story that is high on politics, romantic innocence and emotional impact, and the characters whether as students or 10 years older are convincing and emphatic throughout. Setsuku Hara is astonishing, spirited and innocent as well as managing to convey a lot of depth. Kurasawau0026#39;s direction as ever is subtle while also giving credibility to the story and characters while showing a great sense of style. Overall, a great film, well worth seeing if not quite one of my favourites. 9/10 Bethany Cox”