This film examines a fundamentally human question we all wrestle with from time to time. Is the universe a dark and cold place, or do our actions have lasting, and permanent, consequences? Kurosawa doesn’t answer the question because it’s fundamentally unanswerable. As most human questions are. But his characters speak and react as if they can somehow find the answer.
Still, one of the best films I’ve ever seen. The writing is great and the dialog superb. It follows a government bureaucrat who wants to accomplishing one worthwhile thing in life before he dies. I really loved it. A moving and contemplative film that takes a hard and unforgiving look at human nature.
Simply loved it.
Hoover's Corner 
The photo alone tells us Kurosawa MUST have found that “one worthwhile thing”. And to have him in the role of bureaucrat just makes this such a good match for our own wishes for our own bureaucrats! Thank you for this review and your appreciation of this film.
It was a great little film. I like Kurosawa anyway, but this was a beautiful little film, simplistic in many ways, and yet powerful. I liked it a lot and I’m glad you liked the review. 🙂