Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. It would have been great to read his insights of there events too. It is by no means a complete biography. Disappointing in that the great director doesn't address issues/movies beyond the 1950s, Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2018. ... Our Days Are Like Full Years by Harriet Pattison review – moving and heroic. Something like an autobiography, and something much more like a memoir, which is no bad thing. This book stops at Rashomon, which was his first international success. The narrative leads us through his experiences, not as a list of influences, etc., but as his experiences in life commenced and grew and where his mind traveled all the while. Something Like an Autobiography provides a very interesting look into the early life and career of one of the best filmmakers of all time, Kurosawa Akira. [(relatively sheltered, somewhat isolated childhood with countless hobbies, then numerous family deaths at the same period along with a swift loss of social standing; a certain wariness towards what the absurd human animal has in them to do, paired to some deeply-rooted hostility towards arbitrary authority; at some point, the failure to pass an exam to become an astronomer in HPL's case, and a painter in AK's; hard beginnings, both faced dire prospects, absorbing passions and fortunate, unhoped for occasions to make them come to fruition). He wonderfully details his childhood from babyhood to near adult. Inside you'll find 30 Daily Lessons, 20 Fun Activities, 180 Multiple Choice Questions, 60 Short Essay Questions, 20 Essay Questions, Quizzes/Homework Assignments, Tests, and more. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012. Akira Kurosawa (黒澤 明 or 黒沢 明, Kurosawa Akira, March 23, 1910 – September 6, 1998) was a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read Something Like An Autobiography. I believe there are great books written about him but they cannot possibly capture the spirit of the great director as well as his own words. The anecdotes which comprise this book, albeit brief, are very interesting to read. Although written in 1982, Akira Kurosawa chose to end with what many consider the first of his masterworks, Rashomon in 1950. User Review - Michael.Rimmer - LibraryThing Something like an autobiography, and something much more like a memoir, which is no bad thing. And Kurosawa in himself is such a likable and interesting character. Mesmerizing read. This is not a book you can review, this is a book you sit down and discuss with people. He talks a bit about Seven Samurai just as an argument for why multiple cameras are needed sometimes to film certain. Kurosawa's story is as interesting as his film characters. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Early on, Kurosawa thought of himself as a slow learner, who only began to flourish when shown attention by a few sympathetic teachers. Sometimes he's so emotional, he makes me emotional just reading his earnestness, here about his directing mentor, Yama-san: Akira Kurosawa would have you believe that he's just a hard working guy and nothing special. general miscellaneous african american history paperback. While written by someone known predominantly for the films he made, this books is more than just about the films he made. The reader is allowed a unique glimpse into Kurosawa's philosophy, family history, and method for film making, enabling one to better appreciate his work. 61), Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2012. Start by marking “Something Like an Autobiography” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Kurosawa left a lot of his life out of this book (hence the title) and perhaps that is what makes it all the more fascinating to read. It gives a look at the life of the Japanese director known as Kurosawa Akira. About two thirds of the book is not on filmmaking but Akira Kurosawa’s childhood. As a writer and director he investigates. Thankfully, it was memorable, so it's not difficult to recall that I found it fascinating. 27 Ratings ... 2 Reviews. Add Akira Kurosawa's Something Like An Autobiography to your book collection today. Kurosawa's skill as a story teller comes through in his sorta-autobiography. If you ask anyone to name a Japanese film director, the most likely answer will be "Akira Kurosawa." An extremely enjoyable autobiography from the man himself, Akira Kurosawa. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Watch fullscreen. Something Like an Autobiographyby Akira Kurosawatranslated by Audie E. BockIt seems obvious that this book is the first to turn to for admirers of Kurosawa's films who seek to know more about the legendary director's influences and ideas. He has directed many classics (like Seven Samauri, Yojimbo, and Hidden Fortress) that have been remade by Western directors (like The Magnificent Seven, A Fistful of Dollars, and Star Wars) and many classics that were remakes of Shakespeare's plays (Throne of Blood and Ran). It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Not only that but he captures the atmosphere of pre-war, war-time, and post-war Japan splendidly and will probably teach you a thing or two about Japanese culture while he's at it. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. Wish all autobiographies were this interesting and compelling to read. Akira Kurosawa would have you believe that he's just a hard working guy and nothing special. 172 Previews . Purchased used - good from Blue Cloud Books for $0.94 plus $3.99 shipping. In eloquent self effacing prose (beautifully translated), he lays out his family life in what he calls a "samurai household," as opposed to those of classmates with more modern upbringings. Sad! I am certain that I did. Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2014. Early on, Kurosawa thought of himself as a slow learner, who only began to flourish when shown attention by a few sympathetic teachers. This is present also in his private life. He also had some important assists from a rebellious (and also artistic) older brother who would steer him toward books to read and movies to see. Customer Reviews. Seed to Dust by Marc Hamer review – a gardener's story. There is nothing more enjoyable then going to a movie theater and seeing any film by Akira Kurosawa. I have watched 4-5 other films of his which I guess released after 1950. Among the movie elite, he is considered one of the best. The image is stark (of course) but it had traces of the master's visual sense as well. For one interested in films, this is a must read. Something like an autobiography, and something much more like a memoir, which is no bad thing. To some extent that's true, with his sense of diligence and attention to detail being the hallmark of all of his great films. Something Like an Autobiography (Paperback or Softback) Kurosawa, Akira. This is part autobiography and part commentary on the films he did till 1950. December 2020. This is part autobiography and part commentary on the films he did till 1950. The distinguished filmmaker chronicles his life from his birth in 1910 to the worldwide success in 1951 of his film "Rashomon" and provides a provocative account of the Japanese film industry Get Something Like an Autobiography (Paperback) by Akira Kurosawa and other Biography and Autobiography books online and at Fully Booked bookstore branches in the Philippines. And Rashomon was the only film I had seen in the list. He stops with Rashomon. Translated by Audie E. Bock. If you've seen Kurosawa's films and would like a deep-dive straight from the horse's mouth, you can't miss this gem. I love his movies - as anyone reading this opinion would, but this book is not in any way as great as his movies. If everyone thought this way, people might notice just how foolish international friction is and they would put an end to it.”, “Although human beings are incapable of talking about themselves with total honesty, it is much harder to avoid the truth while pretending to be other people. I'm of course influenced in my review of his book by interest in his films, and this book is probably only worth a read if you also share this interest. It was published as a book in 1981 and the English translation by Audie E. Bock appeared the following year. An extremely enjoyable autobiography from the man himself, Akira Kurosawa. He felt, like many filmmakers and artists, that everything one might want to know about him is there within his work. The distinguished filmmaker chronicles his life from his birth in 1910 to the worldwide success in 1951 of his film Rashomon and provides a provocative account of the Japanese film industry. That didn't in any way spoil the reading experience; his descriptions of whatever aspects he talks about makes it very clear to understand what he says. Get Something Like an Autobiography (Paperback) by Akira Kurosawa and other Biography and Autobiography books online and at Fully Booked bookstore branches in the Philippines. The people in his life are presented with great understanding of their respective situations. The one picture i get in my mind is him talking about the war years - or was it the Earthquake? Very happy with the condition of the book. (pg. He stops with Rashomon. I think of earth as my home. So it is thanks to his father's insistence on a strict regime of training and visits to shrines, all before breakfast, and excellence in productivity, that Kurosawa attained a deeper u. I've always enjoyed Kurosawa as a filmmaker, but I had never realized that this book existed. It jogged my memory of my own childhood, oddly enough. So definitely a book that Kurosawa fans will want to read, but it certainly wasn't amazing. It was great of Kurosawa to tailor this book more to prospective filmmakers, by talking mostly o. What's given short shrift is the heart of a real artist. His films are without parallel, and this book gives the reader insight into why such excellence came to be. There is nothing that says more about its creator than the work itself.”, Opening credits - The Lower Depths (1957), Toshiro Mifune's monologue in The Quiet Duel (1949), Woodcutter's story intro - Rashōmon (1950), The Village Defence scene - Seven Samurai (1954), Done - Please add cover and info - Kurosawa, Mariah Carey Is Telling Her Own Story (and Recommending Books). He talks about his childhood growing up with a father who still tried to follow samurai tradition, his brother, what interested him in film, filming experiences. 2 days ago | 0 view. And Kurosawa in himself is such a likable and interesting character. Anyway he mentions seeing dead bloated bodies in a river by Tokyo. However I'd still highly recommend it to film students and Kurosawa fans alike. He has directed many classics (like Seven Samauri, Yojimbo, and Hidden Fortress) that have been remade by Western directors (like The Magnificent Seven, A Fistful of Dollars, and Star Wars) and many classics that were remakes of Shakespeare's plays (Throne of Blood and Ran). Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. I finally got a chance to read it. Kurosawa explains that he'd rather his work speak for him, but that in his old age, he's been persuaded to write about himself. A wonderful book on the life and mind of Akira Kurosawa. One of his early films, Rashomon, won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and subsequently won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, putting Japanese cinema on the international stage only five years after World War II. “No matter where I go in the world, although I can't speak any foreign language, I don't feel out of place. If you haven't heard of record-smashing singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, is there any hope for you? I have to respect this decision as a power move though. He talks a bit about Seven Samurai just as an argument for why multiple cameras are needed sometimes to film certain movies, which incidentally was a criticism leveled against him during that time. For one searching words of wisdom, too. What a wonderful book this was. Something Like an Autobiography [Kurosawa, Akira] on Amazon.com.au. You submitted the following rating and review. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. I picked up this book because I have enjoyed several of the films of Akira Kurosawa, and I like to read biographies. I think of earth as my home. Something Like an Autobiography (蝦蟇の油, 自伝のようなもの, Gama no abura, Jiden no you na mono) is the memoir of Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa. Chaplin, John Ford, D.W. Griffith, etc., the young future director absorbed it all. Attention! Something Like An Autobiography. From the horrors of the Great Kanto earthquake, to the death of his silent-film narrator brother, to the timely gale on the last day of on-location shooting of his maiden film "Sugata Sanshiro"'s climax, Kurosawa explained why he was destined to make movies. The image is stark (of course) but it had traces of the master's visua. Read detective stories as well as world literature. An autobiography is not a pure version of somebody’s life being told. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Be the first to ask a question about Something Like an Autobiography. What's given short shrift is the heart of a real artist. Very bold to have an autobiography written in 1982 end in 1950, right before you start making all of your most famous films. Something Like an Autobiography Summary "Akira Kurosawa, Something Like an Autobiography" is the life story of the renowned Japanese filmmaker. I think that to learn what became of me after, So pretty much like everyone else I went, "Aw, man!" Akira Kurosawa was reluctant to openly discuss his personal life. Softcover. After Rashomon Akira Kurosawa made his greatest films and also faced his greatest misfortunes. “A first rate book and a joy to read…. Anyway he mentions seeing dead bloated bodies in a river by Tokyo. I think of the earth as my home. Although written in 1982, Akira Kurosawa chose to end with what many consider the first of his masterworks, Rashomon in 1950. But I don't read many of these, so maybe it's on par. There will never be anyone like Kurosawa. Published by Vintage Books USA 5/12/1983 (1983) ISBN 10: 0394714393 ISBN 13: 9780394714394. Akira Kurosawa is the most nostalgic, ridiculously romantic, over-the-top autobiographer I have ever read. From: BargainBookStores (Grand Rapids, MI, … After Rashomon Akira Kurosawa made his greatest films and also faced his greatest misfortunes. Either that or Kurosawa penned it this way. This book stops at Rashomon, which was his first international success. Half of the book deals with Kurosawa before he even began making films. It is a pity that Akira Kurosawa did not write a second part of his autobiography. I'm of course influenced in my review of his book by interest in his films, and this book is probably only worth a read if you also share this interest. In eloquent self effacing prose (beautifully translated), he lays out his family life in what he calls a "samurai household," as opposed to those of classmates with more modern upbringings. to entrance this on-line proclamation something like an autobiography akira kurosawa as with ease as review them Page 1/4. LibraryThing Review User Review - Michael.Rimmer - LibraryThing. Kurosawa explains … Only Ozu can rival Kurosawa when it comes to great Japanese cinema, but even then it was a matter of different types of genius, both bringing something unique to their art. Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2014. The only downside is the book only covers up to Rashomon. So it is thanks to his father's insistence on a strict regime of training and visits to shrines, all before breakfast, and excellence in productivity, that Kurosawa attained a deeper understanding of samurai culture. Quite simply, if you want to learn something from Kurosawa, then you ought to read this smooth book. Translator's Preface I AWAITED my first meeting with Kurosawa Akira with a great deal of curiosity and a fair amount of dread. 15 Favorites . You've successfully reported this review. It was great of Kurosawa to tailor this book more to prospective filmmakers, by talking mostly on his inspirations and anecdotes about his film productions. This memoir by the master is also fantastic. Something Like an Autobiography Translated by Audie E. Bock . Truly a fantastic read. Kurosawa's significance is indisputable. In his book Something Like An Autobiography he only goes up to the point of Rashōmon in 1950, despite it being published in 1981. Kurosawa left a lot of his life out of this book (hence the title) and perhaps that is what makes it all the more fascinating to read. His main advice for anyone to get into film is to read! Akira Kurosawa: Something Like An Autobiography, by Akira Kurosawa 205 pages vintage, Nonfiction. I watched my first Akira Kurosawa movie during my student days. This memoir by the master is also fantastic. It does deal with Kurosawa's filmmaking techniques, but more than anything it delves into Kurosawa as a person. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Be the first one to write a review. Writing a review on an autobiography is quite similar to writing a review on novels or poems, but there are some peculiarities that you should keep in mind. There are 0 reviews and 0 ratings from Australia Top reviews from other countries Ian Richardson. The book is an autobiography of sorts written in 1982, in the waning years of Kurosawa's life and career. by Akira Kurosawa. I was disappointed that he ended this wonderful book in 1950 the year he filmed. May 12th 1983 I believe there are great books written about him but they cannot possibly capture the spirit of the great director as well as his own words. It’s doubtful that a complete understanding of the director’s artistry can be obtained without reading this book…. Of the movies that Kurosawa actually discusses in some detail herein, I have seen exactly none (Kurosawa ends his autobiography with the 1950 Rashomon, which somehow I still haven't seen).It's not that I don't like Kurosawa's work—I have seen many of his films (as of this writing, I have seen Ikiru (1952), Seven Samurai … If you are a book buff and are looking for legal material to read, If you ask anyone to name a Japanese film director, the most likely answer will be "Akira Kurosawa." Amazon.in - Buy Something Like An Autobiography (Vintage) book online at best prices in India on Amazon.in. Free delivery on qualified orders. The Something Like an Autobiography lesson plan contains a variety of teaching materials that cater to all learning styles. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, See all details for Something Like An Autobiography, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Teaching Something Like an Autobiography. comment. It was amazing. I still remember the first time I watched "Seven Samurai," how powerfully every actor brought their character to life, the way Mifune Toshiro stole every scene he was in. A must read for Japanese movie enthusiasts. Something Like an Autobiography provides a very interesting look into the early life and career of one of the best filmmakers of all time, Kurosawa Akira. It looks like movie making (for a director) wasn't such a lucrative thing in Japan in those days coz by the time he did Rashomon, he was a well-established name in Japan and had done 6-7 movies that were hits/semi-hits. ... plus-circle Add Review. Something Like An Autobiography - Ebook written by Akira Kurosawa. Shouldn't be remotely surprised at how introspective this turned out to be. Its funny what you remember about books. No, cancel Yes, report it Thanks! It seems it was dictated to another person since it follows a train of thought progression. As a writer and director he investigates human nature. Although written in 1982, Akira Kurosawa chose to end with what many consider the first of his masterworks, Rashomon in 1950. OK, close. Fabulously interesting and informative book! He also had some impor. Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2005, "No matter where I go in the world, although I can't speak any foreign language, I don't feel out of place. To see what your friends thought of this book. His films are without parallel, and this book gives the reader insight into why such excellence came to be. To some extent that's true, with his sense of diligence and attention to detail being the hallmark of all of his great films. He just tells his story like it is. On February 1, 2021, MHM's Film Reviews will … It would have been great to read his insights of there events too. And not just as a first-person view of the director's youth and career through Rashōmon (1950), including intimate details of his relationships with his closest collaborators—including, If Kurosawa taught me one thing with his book, it's to give your audience a story whilst leaving them wanting more. If everyone thought this way, people might notice just how foolish international friction is, and they would put an end to it." Paperback. We appreciate your feedback. Something Like an Autobiography Quotes Showing 1-17 of 17 “No matter where I go in the world, although I can't speak any foreign language, I don't feel out of place. Kurosawa was a true humanist. Half of the book deals with Kurosawa before he even began making films. $16.00. $12.99. Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2017. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. I have watched 4-5 other films of his which I guess released after 1950. About Something Like An Autobiography Translated by Audie E. Bock. There's a problem loading this menu right now. My college film club screened it. His movie, "The Seven Samurai" ranks with the likes of … He talks about the work of other artists, includes real-world advice for people trying to approach creativity and storytelling, and kicks off with a wonderful retelling of the man himself as an infant. Kurosawa's militaristic father also turned out to be a movie lover, who would often drag the family to the movies to watch what was essentially a new form in its early stages. Related Searches. Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2020. by Vintage Books. He hated math, and was drawn to the worlds of art and literature. Read Something Like An Autobiography (Vintage) book reviews & author details and more at Amazon.in. They often reveal much about themselves in a very straightforward way. Finished reading this nearly a year ago without getting around to reviewing it. If everyone thought this way, people might notice just how foolish international friction is and they would put an end to it.” NOOK Book. He hated math, and was drawn to the worlds of art and literature. New. The Kindle edition seems a good price at $9.99. *FREE* shipping on eligible orders. Would you like us to take another look at this review? The one picture i get in my mind is him talking about the war years - or was it the Earthquake? A sweet and insightful read. Good advice! I'm probably not the ideal person to review this book. Paperback $ 16.00. Welcome back. After finishing it, he also changed my outlook on his films (especially Dreams). It puts childhood in a context that is very unique, recalling smells and sounds. There is nothing more enjoyable then going to a movie theater and seeing any film by Akira Kurosawa. 4.0 out of 5 stars Truly Fascinating. Kurosawa explains that he'd rather his work speak for him, but that in his old age, he's been persuaded to write about himself. Though the book stops around 1950, the period covered is worth the purchase. Disappointing in that the great director doesn't address issues/movies beyond the 1950s. About For Books Something Like an Autobiography Complete Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. We’d love your help. It is a pity that Akira Kurosawa did not write a second part of his autobiography. Autobiography and memoir + Reviews . I had heard stories about his "imperial" manner, his severe demands and difficult temper. “Films are my true medium. Yet Kurosawa never ignores his faults either. He wonderfully details his childhood from babyhood to near adult. When I started thinking about writing this review the first thing I remember from this book (I read it about two and a half years ago now) was that Kurosawa sure did drink a lot. Entertaining, visual writing. It almost felt like reading fiction with the fantastic prose and wonderful stories that Kurosawa provides. This book isn't an explanation of an artist's theories or an explication of his films--just a simple account of the memories of a very full and beautiful life. Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019. That didn't in any way spoil the reading experience; his descriptions of whatever aspects he talks about makes it very clear to understand what he says. Read reviews and buy Something Like an Autobiography - by Akira Kurosawa (Paperback) at Target. This page works best with JavaScript. Good advice! Something Like an Autobiography (English, Paperback, Kurosawa Akira) 4.4. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. 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