“It’s not easy hating evil. You have to stoke your own fury until you become evil yourself.” – Koichi Nishi
As many people know, Akira Kurosawa is a massive fan of the playwright William Shakespeare. And movies like Throne of Blood — inspired by Macbeth — are his way of honouring that revolutionary English playwright, while bringing his perspective on such plays. And The Bad Sleep well is another of those amazing tributes. Based on Hamlet and The Count of Monte Christo, this dramatic thriller from Akira Kurosawa is among one of his most impressive productions. Starring Toshiro Mifune, it is a story of revenge set in the world of bureaucratic businesses; where dangerous politics and lethal individuals co-exist.
The story involves a young man named Koichi Nishi; who wants to avenge his father’s death at the hands of a corrupt Japanese corporation named Public Development Corporation. As such, Kochi Nishi builds his name inside that company. Through his career and with his wedding to Yoshiko Nishi, the vice president’s daughter. Slowly preparing his revenge.
As he builds his net around the company, Koichi initiates various tactics with the help of certain allies. But while these happen, people inside the company make their investigation on who is tormenting them. And the more they research, the closer they get to finding out the truth behind Koichi.
A situation that complicates further the latter’s revenge projects. And makes us wonder if the concept of revenge is as easy as in movies and literature.
As stated earlier, this movie is a loose adaptation of Hamlet and The Count of Monte Christo; but with a much more modern tactic. Made by the director’s production company, it allowed him to make more of the type of projects he wanted to present to the public. With more personal control to the content. And with this one, it would be a story with many social topics. In an era where Japan’s economy would be thriving. A motion picture that would shatter the illusion of the honest corporation treating all its employees with respect. And when we start the film, we know nothing about Koichi. We learn of his true intentions as the film evolves; while we also discover the corporation’s investigation. So we follow two different perspectives in this motion picture. Adding lots of tension to the audience. Who eventually reacts with shock at the various twists and surprises in the film. Including a flabbergasting one which shocks the audience. Leaving quite a taste in the mouths of viewers and critics; making the story more darker.
Cinematographically, Akira Kurosawa does stunning sequences; many of them lasting long minutes. Well composed and beautifully lit, these moments are incredible to look at. Especially the wedding at the beginning. Twenty-five minutes of cinematographic beauty. Which is important as it is a scene that reminds us of the theatrical nature of the story and its Hamlet basis. A motion picture which could be adapted into a play and performed on a big stage.
As for the cast, the inseparable duo of Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura star again in this Kurosawa film. This time, Toshiro Mifune does Koichi Nishii; while Takashi Shimura performs the role of administrative officer Moriyama. And as always, they give memorable performances in their scenes. Same thing for Kyoko Kagawa, who does Koichi’s wife Yoshiko Nishi. Of this movie, it is her first chance to work in Kurosawa’s movies. And interestingly, she will then do High and Low and Red Beard; and in both she will play the love interest of Toshiro Mifune’s roles. Which is great as their chemistry in their three films is excellent. Making their scenes memorable and a delight to watch for viewers.
In its ambience, the film is into the film noir genre. Yet it falls into comedy at times. Through certain funny scenes and in the music leitmotif that Koichi whistles sometimes and that the orchestra plays also.
But overall, The Bad Sleep Well is a powerful story. One that is not as well known in Akira Kurosawa’s filmography; but it deserves much respect. It is a powerful movie with a controversial arc that makes the content even more poignant. More theatrical and dramatic. An impressive movie that always wows audiences.
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