Red Beard (1965): A Classic More Relevant Than Ever

Who would have thought a 1965 Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa, set in a rural clinic, would be one of the greatest films you're likely to never discuss at a progressive dinner party? "Red Beard" revolves around a young doctor, Noboru Yasumoto, who is sent to work under his new boss, the tough yet compassionate Dr. Niide, known as "Red Beard." Shot in black and white and filled with complex characters, this film might not be on every streaming service's front page, but it's as relevant today as it was during its initial release.

You would think a film about compassion, self-discovery, and moral integrity would be heralded universally. Alas, that's not the case. Perhaps it's the old-school values of discipline, commitment, and work ethic that make it a difficult pill for certain audiences to swallow. Either way, Kurosawa’s exploration of human nature and society is a red pill more relevant now than ever.

1. Timeless Storytelling

   • Akira Kurosawa masters the art of storytelling without relying on CGI or special effects. The gripping narrative focuses on human relationships and moral dilemmas, subjects that some might prefer to replace with fictional heroics or dystopian futures. The dialogue is captivating, the plot is tight, and the characters jump off the screen.

2. Old-School Discipline

   • If there’s something not often seen in today’s cinematic world, it's a portrayal of discipline as an ideal to strive for. Dr. Niide, portrayed by the magnificent Toshiro Mifune, stands as a character that represents authority with a touch of humanity. He's the authority figure today's society needs but certainly doesn’t want to hear about.

3. Morals Over Popularity

   • Unlike films which push politics into every crevice of the plot, "Red Beard" teaches without preaching. It asks us to face moral questions, to help those in desperate need, and to do so without personal gain. It’s about showing dignity and integrity in a way that would resonate with those who value the quiet strength of character over flamboyant posturing.

4. A Lesson in Compassion

   • Forced charity through policy is one thing, but what about genuine compassion? The characters in "Red Beard" are driven not by laws but by an intrinsic desire to make a difference—a stark contrast to the characters who populate screens today.

5. Reality of Hard Choices

   • The film doesn't shy away from portraying gut-wrenching decisions. Kurosawa shows that life is messy, decisions are hard, and not everyone wins. This is storytelling rooted in reality, not an alternate universe where dramatic flair eclipses substance at every turn.

6. Cultural Representation

   • Almost 60 years on, "Red Beard" remains a gem of Japanese cinema. It portrays a Japan not many are willing to explore anymore—a Japan where respect and honor are not mere words but a way of life. For a culture obsessed with futuristic tech and theme-park samurais, this film serves as a sobering reminder of values that predate fads and hashtags.

7. Building Over Breaking Down

   • "Red Beard" is not about tearing down systems but finding ways to operate better within them. Yasumoto’s maturation is a lesson in growth, in finding one’s place in an existing world rather than dismantling it out of frustration.

8. Human Connection

   • This isn't just another film portraying disconnected individuals searching for meaning. Yasumoto and Niide develop a mentor-mentee relationship that reflects a genuine human connection—a bonding that's becoming rare in the digital age.

9. Against the Tide

   • The setting of a rural clinic might seem odd and remote from today’s everyday hustle and bustle, but that's precisely what makes it refreshing. Amid today's rush for fast cities, rapid news, and hot takes, "Red Beard" serves almost as a spiritual pilgrimage to wiser, calmer waters.

10. Struggle is Integral

• Challenges and struggles are not portrayed as events to be avoided but rather the crucibles through which characters are forged. Setbacks, failures, and crises are embraced and faced head-on. A notion that goes against the now-popular narrative of seeking ease and comfort above growth and resilience.

This film is a relic not just of cinematic genius, but of an ideological truth that's rare today. Kurosawa’s "Red Beard" stands as a grand monument to values of integrity, discipline, and compassion.