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The Bad Sleep Well (1960)

The Bad Sleep Well (1960)
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In this engaging drama, acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa deftly splices together the nuances of hypocrisy, old feudal misconceptions lingering in modern corruption, and Shakespeare's Hamlet. The rotten corporate world is taken on by Koichi Nishi (Toshiro Mifune), who is looking for revenge in the death of his father. Koichi is a private secretary to a government official, and in the opening scene, at Koichi's wedding to the official's disabled daughter, a special cake is brought in which jolts those present -- it reminds them of the suicide that paved the way for their current positions of power. Then the police arrive and arrest one of the wedding guests. Unknown to the others, Koichi is the hidden force behind all the strange happenings that begin to sting their consciences and ruin their lives. Ghostly figures and would-be killers in the dark streets contrast with shining corporate offices as the plot maneuvers to its tragic conclusion. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Starring:
Toshiro Mifune
Director(s):
Akira Kurosawa
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Bad Sleep Well

In this engaging drama, acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa deftly splices together the nuances of hypocrisy, old feudal misconceptions lingering in modern corruption, and Shakespeare's Hamlet. The rotten corporate world is taken on by Koichi Nishi (Toshiro Mifune), who is looking for revenge in the death of his father. Koichi is a private secretary to a government official, and in the opening scene, at Koichi's wedding to the official's disabled daughter, a special cake is brought in which jolts those present -- it reminds them of the suicide that paved the way for their current positions of power. Then the police arrive and arrest one of the wedding guests. Unknown to the others, Koichi is the hidden force behind all the strange happenings that begin to sting their consciences and ruin their lives. Ghostly figures and would-be killers in the dark streets contrast with shining corporate offices as the plot maneuvers to its tragic conclusion. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
150 mins

Complete Cast of The Bad Sleep Well


Director(s):
Akira Kurosawa
Writer(s):
Ryuzo Kikushima, Hideo Oguni, Shinobu Hashimoto
Producer(s):
Akira Kurosawa, Tomoyuki Tanaka
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    Pattabi S.

    As usual, Kurosawa is a master at painting full, rich characters. The bad have redeeming qualities and the good are flawed. The villains are corrupt and greedy, but motivated by noble motives--love for family and loyalty. The system is corrupt, but take the man out of the system, and he can be redeemed. And vengeance takes its toll on the avenger, both from without and from within. The action is also tersely paced. The final shot, the bow to the telephone, is a masterstroke of visual poetry.

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    Triston M.

    This is a wonderful film for anyone interested in the dark underbelly of Japanese politics and corporations. It's masterfully constructed from beginning to end and a horrific commentary on the directions society is heading. A wonderfully made tragedy that is as pertinent today as it was in 1960. I cannot recommend this film enough.

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    James V.

    Finally, after decades of hearing about THE BAD SLEEP WELL, it's a treat to be able to see it in this beautifully restored transfer that ranks with the best of Criterion's work (which is very high praise). It's such a fine film in every way that I believe it may be Kurosawa's best (or near-best), & it also offers one of the Toshiro Mifune's best performances--who knew he could be so beautifully buttoned-up & buttoned-down? The movie's period look and feel seems quite real, and Kurosawa uses no flashy bits or tricky cuts to make his points. His subject is as timely today as it was in 1960: corruption that joins business & politics, running roughshod over everyone in its path. Funny how little has changed in the ensuing half-century. The culture here may be Japanese, with its keen reliance on shame as the force behind behavior, but it will not take much for a savvy American to connect these particular dots. The final moment is stunning in its simplicity, meaningfulness & quiet horror.

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