The Idiot
Dir: Kurosawa Akira
Japan, 1951, 166 minsmins, 35mm
Cast: Hara Setsuko, Mori Masayuki, Mifune Toshiro, Kuga Yoshiko
Kurosawa’s transposition of his favorite author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel is a sarcastic reflection of the post-war trauma of Japanese society. Kameda, an “idiot”, is caught in love and agony with his friend Akama and two girls who adore his pure soul. Akama’s jealousy grows and ultimately leads to a tragic ending. The film is one of the darkest, and most controversial, films for Kurosawa, who poured every ounce of effort and love into the story of an innocent man. In a role unlike any other in her career, Hara Setsuko plays a tempestuous, sexy woman, a far cry from the serenely smiling daughters in Ozu’s films.
Remarks
1. Unless otherwise stated, all films (except English-speaking films) are subtitled in English.
2. For screenings at ALL commercial cinemas, tickets are available at URBTIX till 5:00pm one day before respective screenings. After that, tickets will be available only at the box office of the screening venue on the day of screening, subject to availability.
3. Screenings at HK Arts Centre, HK Film Archive and Tai Kwun: For screenings that are about to start in 1 hour, all remaining tickets can only be bought at the box offices of the respective screening venues.
4. Screenings at HK Science Museum: There is no URBTIX Outlet at the venue. Tickets are available at URBTIX till 1 hour prior to the respective screenings. Door ticket counter opens 30 minutes before the screening. Limited tickets to non-sold out screenings will be available at the door, subject to availability (Cash Only).
5. Screenings at M+ Cinema: Tickets are available at URBTIX only. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available at URBTIX website, mobile app and outlets only. Ticketing services for respective screening will not be available from 30 minutes after the screening begins.
6. While it is the HKIFFS’s policy to secure the best possible print of the original version for all its screenings, the HKIFFS appreciates its patrons’ understanding on occasions when less than perfect screening copies are screened.
