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Kurosawa's The Idiot, based on Dostoyevsky's novel is very good

97.92.42.55

I had mentioned earlier that this edited version (100 min. missing) of the film was supposed to be confusing but I followed it easily. Despite it's running length of 266 min. was still quite engaging with the second half a bit slower and there was one obvious gap but I imagined what happened easily.

From what I can tell this film follows closely to Dostoyevsky's novel, with different people and locations but a similar story about a man whose near death escape changes his mind and leaves him innocent and pure. When he returns to his family he comes across very naive (the idiot) but has a purity of heart that a kept woman sees in him. This leads to complications down the road with another man who desires this same woman.

I can see why Kurosawa said: "He (Dostoyevsky) is still my favourite author, and he is the one � I still think � who writes most honestly about human existence."

Based on films like Ikiru and Red Beard, Kurosawa and Dostoyevsky, to me, thought alike.

Not my favorite Kurosawa but a beautiful movie and certainly recommended.

Phil

Follow Ups:

Absolutely and a strong agreement on the unjustly unfamous, "Red Beard." - tinear 07:53:43 10/06/11 (1)
Kurosawa had great heart. He was far less abstruse than Fyodor, but then again--- he wasn't Russian!
- Even though Red Beard is predictable the trip to get there is so subtle - PhilJ 17:47:56 10/07/11 (0)
  and so well done it is a great pleasure to view...
  
  Phil
RE: Kurosawa's The Idiot, based on Dostoyevsky's novel is very good - Rod H. 20:23:24 10/05/11 (5)
Thanks, Phil. I've read all four of Dostoyevsky's major novels, and some of his shorter works, and must admit that although I found The Idiot fascinating I'm sure I didn't understand it as well as I might. I'll seek out the film!
- Pauline Kael called it a long, uneven, fascinating film, she prefers a french version - PhilJ 17:54:56 10/07/11 (4)
  directed by Georges Lampin in 1946 but, Netflix does not carry it (darn).
  
  I hope you enjoy the Kurosawa version though I doubt you will gain more insight to the book, it really seemed rather straightforword to me, but was very nice and a classic story (as you well know).
  
  Phil
  - RE: Pauline Kael called it a long, uneven, fascinating film, she prefers a french version - Rod H. 10:57:22 10/08/11 (3)
    Well, I got sidetracked. While looking online for the Kurosawa version I came across the 2003 Russian miniseries, which is on youtube in 10 fifty minute installments. So far I've made it through four, and I have to say it's riveting and exciting. I'm remembering much more from reading the novel some 25 years ago than I thought I would.
    
    Highly recommended!
    - The Idiot - 2003 (Open in New Window)
    - I second the Russian series. Brilliant acting. nt - tinear 09:55:05 10/09/11 (0)
      fd
    - nice one Rod! Not sure if I will make it thru 10 hours in front of the computer though :) - PhilJ 11:47:30 10/08/11 (1)
      ...
      Phil
      - Subtitles - Rod H. 10:43:33 10/10/11 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: nice one Rod! Not sure if I will make it thru 10 hours in front of the computer though :) posted by PhilJ on October 08, 2011 at 11:47:30
        
        The computer doesn't bother me, but as I'm sure Tinear will confirm, the subtitles are terrible. They are nonsensical at times, too fast (it's hard to interpret nonsense fast!), and usually kick in late.
        
        I'm half way through now, and it's amazing. Really, it's gone very fast. Who'd have thought that a ten hour series can have so few lulls. At times I wish the pace was actuaally more relaxed, but they are fitting a lot in!

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