Ink Wizard
Sep 5, 2018 · 1 min read

This was great analysis Melvin.

I think you are spot on your points about the author. In the scene where Watanabe first meets the author, there is a black dog which is an important symbol. Wikipedia (don’t judge haha) states that a black dog is associated with the devil. In this scene, Watanabe drops some food to the dog and so this might symbolize that Watanabe is feeding death due to his sulking and having this negative outlook on life. This contrasts when Watanabe feeds the girl on their second ‘date.’ She finishes the first portion of noodles and then he gives her his (and he seemed genuinely happy). This time he is feeding something positive and if we go with the girl as a symbol of life, then he is literally feeding his life-force by doing good deeds (making the park).

Kurosawa might be making the case that vain indulgences can be life-taking (i.e having a grand ‘ole time with the author) while finding true happiness can be life-giving (his time with the girl).

Also, it is worth noting that the first time he sings “Life is Brief” was in a sad, “I’m gonna die. Woe is me” manner. The second time where he sings it, it seems like he is more accepting and content with his efforts and his life.

All in all, a great movie with a great message and I would love to discuss more movies with you sometime!

    Ink Wizard

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    Creating reality through my words.