The Lower Depths

Akira Kurosawa’s adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s novel, in which inhabitants of a slum revel in illusions to avoid bitter reality.

Akira Kurosawa’s adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s novel (previously filmed by Jean Renoir), in which the inhabitants of a slum while away their time longing for escape or dreaming of a better life. The Lower Depths a brilliant exploration (no less than Rashomon) of the conflict between the comfort of illusion and bitter reality.

Distinguished by its sobriety, its pathos, and by the theatrical brilliance of its presentation, the film is also one of the finest examples of ensemble acting in Japanese cinema.