Akira Kurosawa

"Akira Kurosawa, Something Like an Autobiography" is the life story of the famous Japanese filmmaker. His movie, "The Seven Samurai" is considered one of the best movies ever made. It is ranked with "Citizen Kaine" and "Casablanca." The movie is a much-heralded masterpiece among the international film community. In fact, the popular American movie, "The Magnificent Seven" is based on the "Seven Samurai," in tribute to the master filmmaker.

Akira Kurosawa subtitles his autobiography with the disclaimer that his work is "something like an autobiography." As the reader begins to get into the tome, he can readily understand why Akira added this caveat. The account begins with Akira's childhood which is told in what are often disjointed flashes. Some of these recollections are just that and do not add much dimension to the overall story of the man. Other memories tell how this rather shy, weak young...