Stray Dog

Pros: Fascinating trip to Post war Japan, with extraordinary performances by Mifune and Shimura. Direction!
Cons: Only on VHS and subtitles to some I guess

Strange to see a movie as old as I am, and realize once again the brilliance of a Japanese film-maker, whose work has a timeless quality, centered around its humanity. It is firmly set in its own chronology, don’t get me wrong. What makes it timeless ...

Pros: Strong script; moody, atmospheric noir style; Mifune and Shimura in strong performances
Cons: Some viewers get impatient with a few of the extended mood-setting sequences

Stray Dog (1949) is a badly underappreciated film from the early part of the career of Akira Kurosawa, the greatest of all Asian film directors – to this point in time. Stray Dog may not be as much of an unqualified masterpiece as ...

Pros: Japanese police movie, Akira Kurosawa
Cons: Not Kurosawa's best product in my opinion

I thought Stray Dog (SD) was a little boring although I do like Kurosawa's Samurai works. I recognize that it is a good film but to me it was just one step above a decent Law and Order episode. It is a typical rookie and veteran cop flick. Maybe I ...

Pros: Real post-war japan locations
Cons: Sometimes overly dramatic

Just finished watching this movie and really enjoyed it. I am a fan of Kurosawa, but this was good to see his early style. The film is a fast moving story about a newbie policeman who loses his gun, and the experienced detective that helps him find it. Throughout the story is commentary on the the war and the state of Japan at that time (1949). If you enjoy Kurosawa, you should see this.