I don't think Stray Dog is on the same level as some of Akira Kurasawa's later work like Seven Samurai, Ran, Ikiru, Yoijimbo, Rashomon, Throne of Blood, High and Low and The Hidden Fortress. It is a little too long and sags in the pace in the middle, however despite these debits there is much to admire. Kurasawa's films were always well made and directed, even those not so highly regarded like Dreams and Rhapsody in August, and with the striking scenery and very accomplished cinematography and direction Stray Dog is no exception. The music is appropriately simple yet lively, I am especially fond of the Bengawen Solo, while the script gives a certain tension, the action is authentic and Toshiro Mifune is as ever charismatic in a role that suits his acting skills to a tee. What is special about Stray Dog is the story, in the action you feel the summer heat and Mifune's self-loathing, but emphasis is cleverly put on the goodness of ordinary people and the world's beauty. Overall, early Kurasawa it is, but one that makes its mark without being one of his finest. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Stray Dog
