Dodesukaden (1970)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 140 minuten
Alternative titles: Dô Desu Ka Den / Dodeskaden / Dodes'ka-den, Clickety-Clack / どですかでん
Country:
Japan
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
Stars: Yoshitaka Zushi, Kin Sugai and Toshiyuki Tonomura
IMDb score:
7,3 (8.305)
Releasedate: 1 October 1970
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
Dodesukaden plot
Experiences from the life of a group of slum dwellers in Tokyo. Rokkuchan, a retarded boy brings meaning and routine to his life by driving an imaginary tram, there are children who support their parents by stealing and providing poorly paying services, and hustlers who have plans and dreams to escape poverty.
Actors and actresses
Roku-Chan
Okuni
Taro Sawagami
Ryotaro Sawagami
Misao Sawagami
Yukichi Shima
Mrs. Shima
Mr. Ikawa
Mr. Matsui
Mr. Nomoto
Reviews & comments
Spetie
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- 38871 messages
- 8247 votes
Dodecads! Dodecads! Dodecads!.......
Love the way this beautiful film starts. A boy, who is not quite normal, shouts the word Dodeskaden over and over and pretends to be a tram driver. It is one of the many colorful characters that this Dodesukaden has to offer. Also nice are the accompanying tram sounds, which Kurosawa makes here.
There is not really a straightforward story, but it is more an observation of a group of poor people, who all have their daily worries. There are some very memorable characters in it. Although there are a number of dramatic moments, the general tone is quite light-hearted and I also had a good laugh a few times.
What also struck me was the clear and very beautiful use of strong striking colors. This is especially evident in the beginning and the end. It is as if Kurosawa wants to emphasize that this is his first color film.
After his Samurai films and some crime films, this is something completely different, with which Kurosawa once again proves how versatile he is. There are a few moments when it all collapses a bit, but otherwise this is very pleasant viewing and the umpteenth more than good film from Kurosawa's oeuvre. A very nice work I must say.
4.0*
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
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- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
Dodes' ka-den is a rather unusual film with no real purposeful plot. It is rather an observation in which a number of families living in poor conditions on a rubbish dump somewhere in a run-down Tokyo suburb. Kurosawa's first color film apparently. Certainly successful and the gray, cheerless colors of the sand and garbage do not immediately make you cheerful. The chapped looks and dirty clothes of the residents only confirm this.
The residents are a mix of the outcasts of society. Each family has a specific role and is unique in itself. All are colorful and interesting to follow. Alcohol addicts, mentally ill, (sexual) criminals, outcasts, ... they are all part of the decor. As a kind of voyeur, you as a viewer are obliged to be part of the living environment of these people for a while. You get the comments from the fish wives for free.
Also interesting is the balance that Kurosawa tries to maintain between tragedy and humour. Some scenes are harsh, but are canceled out in the next scene with a funny fragment or cheerful tune. Not for everyone I think, especially since the film doesn't really have a goal or story.
Translated from Dutch · View original
mjk87 (moderator films)
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- 14596 messages
- 4552 votes
With this film we seem to have to start with how many Kurosawa this is: my tenth. And although I really like the plot and set-up, I didn't really feel like it right away. Because I like the plot and set-up, but as a rule with new films where image and sound are better (that helps enormously in the experience) and the acting is finer for me personally. But still, in the end pleasantly surprised. Many long static shots, but often fascinating enough to see and with a delightful narrative rhythm. This movie was actually very enjoyable to watch.
I didn't necessarily empathize very much with the characters and somehow this is just not realistic enough (it feels too much like a film, not so much as an actual atmospheric portrait of real people) and that keeps the film from a high score, but what the film does do well also works very well.
Visually fine with sometimes beautiful use of color. And what's nice is that Kurosawa has no opinion about the people. He shows them, with compassion. And despite heavy drama, the film remains fairly light in tone, which ensures that the film looks great. Very clever anyway, he knows how to make one whole feel despite the fact that there is heavy drama mixed with more humorous moments. 3.5*.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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