After releasing film after film that defined and redefined what an “epic” film could be, famed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa took a vastly different approach with his 1990 film, Dreams. Leaving behind the sweeping stories and lengthy narratives, Kurosawa brought to life eight dreams which he claimed to have had repeatedly. Dreams marked the first film to be written by Kurosawa entirely, and, fittingly, he (or, at least a character wearing his trademark hat) features as both the “protagonist” and the link between the otherwise episodic dreams.

Despite being produced with help from the likes of Western directors like George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, and even featuring Martin Scorsese as a freshly bandaged Vincent van Gogh, Dreams is a film firmly rooted in Japanese culture. Though the vignettes may be lifted from the mind of Kurosawa and display the logic and magical realism to be expected in a dream, many elements of their tales touch up on the rich folklore, history and landscape of Japan. Fairytale creatures like the Kitsune and the Yuki-onna make appearances, while the specter of World War II and nuclear holocaust haunt some of the darker dreams. Though not linked in a very prominent fashion, taken as a whole, the dreams can seem to illuminate the life and times of the director himself.

A distinctly personal film from a director acclaimed for the grandiose, Dreams is a must-see for Kurosawa fans and an exciting, uniquely-produced work for those not yet acquainted with the genius of one of history’s greatest filmmakers. Catch it at the Brattle as part of their Reunion Weekend Series.

Dreams
1990
Akira Kurosawa
119 min
As part of the film series: Reunion Weekend