The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

Audience Reviews

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Kylo G Nov 19, 2018 This film was solid.

Rey S Feb 15, 2017 My lacking understanding of the latter act's use of dance is clearly a cultural divide. Twice we see the foolish porter Benkei do a silly dance - once for the barrier-people bringing gifts, the second just for us under a magnificent night sky whose cloud pattern Kurosawa clearly waited patiently to capture. I wish I understood to grasp a fuller understanding of the meaning. Nevertheless, Kurosawa succeeds at drawing us into this illicit journey through a forest that will bring these fake monks to a masquerade challenge, which could result in life or death. This is revealed in a wonderfully dynamic, comedic performance by Denjiro Okochi as Benkei, who deduces that this story he heard about seven samurai on a mission disguised as Buddhist monks is, much to his dismay, them! What's worse, the word is out, their plan is already in jeopardy. The samurai aren't as flustered as they should be - is this only to provide a contrasting backdrop for Okochi's over-the-top situational fear? It works, the cuts between Okochi's trepidation and the samurai stillness are some of the best in the whole piece. But the film's climactic suspenseful showdown between Togashi and the barrier-leader is where it's all at. Kurosawa is patient, he trusts the space between silence and sound. Togashi takes this role seriously, he really builds himself up and forces everyone to see him as the leading priest he pretends to be. Whenever we move between a long silent pause, then hearing his voice kick into full priestly gear, knowing the schtick he's up to makes for a deep laughter. See more

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The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

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