Madadayo (Not Yet)

Japanese (good subtitles)

134 minutes

1993

*****

Kurosawa's final film based on the literary works of real-life Japanese author, Uchida. Honestly, it looked boring, but was a delightful insight into the more modern Japanese culture. When the Professor turns 60, he retires, and his students, all male, celebrate his birthday every year with him. They care for him and his wife, and when their house is destroyed by allied air raids, they eventually build one for them. A sensitive and touching movie, it deals with the transition between retirement and death. Every year when the students would throw the party, they would ask, Maadha kai? (are you ready) and the Professor would respond, Madadayo ('not yet'). If growing old and dying frightens you, you may want to view this. If the Japanese culture intrigues you, you will want to view this. No fighting, swords, or adrenalin.

Trailer