Stray Dog

Pros: Fascinating trip to Post war Japan, with extraordinary performances by Mifune and Shimura. Direction!

Cons: Only on VHS and subtitles to some I guess

The Bottom Line: This is a classic film by one of the great film makers of all time, Akira Kurosawa. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.

Review: Strange to see a movie as old as I am, and realize once again the brilliance of a Japanese film-maker, whose work has a timeless quality, centered around its humanity. It is firmly set in its own chronology, don’t get me wrong. What makes it timeless ...

Pros: Strong script; moody, atmospheric noir style; Mifune and Shimura in strong performances

Cons: Some viewers get impatient with a few of the extended mood-setting sequences

The Bottom Line: This is a highly entertaining and thematically rich film noir from a young Kurosawa, but already the master of his craft.

Review: Stray Dog (1949) is a badly underappreciated film from the early part of the career of Akira Kurosawa, the greatest of all Asian film directors – to this point in time. Stray Dog may not be as much of an unqualified masterpiece as ...

Pros: Japanese police movie, Akira Kurosawa

Cons: Not Kurosawa's best product in my opinion

The Bottom Line: Average plot, Good Japanese culture, great filmmaker.

Review: I thought Stray Dog (SD) was a little boring although I do like Kurosawa's Samurai works. I recognize that it is a good film but to me it was just one step above a decent Law and Order episode. It is a typical rookie and veteran cop flick. Maybe I ...

Pros: Real post-war japan locations

Cons: Sometimes overly dramatic

Review: Just finished watching this movie and really enjoyed it. I am a fan of Kurosawa, but this was good to see his early style. The film is a fast moving story about a newbie policeman who loses his gun, and the experienced detective that helps him find it. ...