I just watched Akira Kurosawa's Dreams last night and I just have to say that I really liked it. It's not the best film I've ever watched but it certainly evokes a certain raw surge of emotion and power that most films lack today.

I especially liked the the tunnel episode; for me the event with what happened to the commander signified his guilt not only for being unable to save his soldiers but also his guilt in being the only survivor. The tunnel also served as a bridge between life and death, that which connects the two but not without limitations. Just like what the commander tells his dead soldiers; he tells them how coming back to the earth is not going to do anything for them and sends them back through the tunnel.

Story wise, the dreams tackle themes of death and loss, both of human and nature. People's disregard for nature, the dangerous effects of nuclear power plants, the loss of traditional Japan, the pointless and heartbreaking loss of lives during wars - themes that affect us one way or another. Yet despite the darkness this film depicts, at the end, hope is still present, in a small nook and cranny, like a flower blooming amongst concrete.

Some of the episodes may feel a little bit nagging when it comes to their messages but the direction was just superb that I am able to overlook that little bit of flaw. Kurosawa's direction might bore some; it's neither fast paced nor full of dialogues, but if you're patient and a fan of slow thought-provoking films, then this will not disappoint.