First of all, you could never go wrong with a pairing of Toshiro Mifune and Hideko Takamine, two of the greatest actors that have ever been in film. Second, this tale of a rickshaw man known at the "Wild Matsu" who helps a young boy named Toshio and becomes a part of his growing up is told vividly through numerous scenes over time. Ms. Takamine plays Yoshiko, who was widowed soon after she met Matsu, and her performance is understated but essential to the film. Mr. Mifune, who is best remembered for works with the great Kurosawa, stretches his acting muscles greatly here, showing some vulnerability in a challenging role. There are so many films to recommend with Ms. Takamine and Mr. Mifune that are alternately entertaining and heartbreaking. This has both those elements and its a treasure of Japanese cinema.
