TomOBedlam

 The film is told almost like a coming-of-age novel, as the protagonist... learns not only martial arts but also about himself.

 The film suffers from simplism and naivety and is far from the depth that the director’s later films would have.

Sugata Sanshiro is Akira Kurosawa's first directorial effort, a simple story of a young man's judo journey. While the film shows early signs of Kurosawa’s evolving style and spiritual focus, it suffers from clichéd plot, dated fight scenes, and stiff acting. Despite its flaws, it's a valuable watch for Kurosawa fans and martial arts enthusiasts interested in cinematic history. The film also reflects its wartime production constraints. Discover Kurosawa's beginnings—watch Sugata Sanshiro for a historical martial arts journey!