In the world of cinema, there are certain creative partnerships that, when formed, leave an indelible mark on the industry. One such collaboration was that of Akira Kurosawa and Ishirô Honda. Kurosawa, the iconic Japanese director, is widely considered to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, known for masterpieces like Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Ran. On the other hand, Ishirô Honda, famous for directing the original 1954 Godzilla, was a pioneer in the realm of monster movies, creating an influential legacy within the kaiju genre. These two directors couldn’t be more different, but their behind-the-scenes collaboration culminated together in their last film to ever exist.
This film was 1993’s Madadayo — it not only represented the closing chapter of Kurosawa’s legendary career but also served as the final cinematic contribution of Ishirô Honda, who had worked closely with Kurosawa as an assistant and advisor in their later years. Their long-standing friendship and professional synergy are captured within the layers of Madadayo, a touching, reflective piece that encapsulates themes of aging, legacy, and the meaning of life.
The Kurosawa-Honda Partnership — A Meeting of Giants
Though Akira Kurosawa and Ishirô Honda are best known for vastly different kinds of cinema, the auteurs shared a mutual respect and camaraderie that spanned decades. According to Slash Film, Kurosawa and Honda first met as young men in the 1930s, and they worked as second-unit co-directors on several movies produced by Toho Studios. Their bond strengthened over time, with Honda frequently assisting Kurosawa on various projects. Kurosawa, known for his meticulous and demanding approach to filmmaking, found a perfect counterpart in Honda’s technical expertise and calm demeanor. Honda had a unique talent for handling large-scale productions, a skill honed through his experience directing elaborate special effects for Godzilla and other kaiju films. This expertise became invaluable to Kurosawa, particularly in his more ambitious films like The Hidden Fortress, where Honda was an assistant director and helped manage complex battle scenes and visual effects.
‘Madadayo’ Poignantly Grapples With Finality
Madadayo is the last film both Kurosawa and Honda released before their respective deaths. Kurosawa made Madadayo when he was 83 years old, and it stands as a deeply personal and introspective film. Unlike the grand historical epics or intense psychological dramas which the director is famous for, Madadayo is a quiet, contemplative comedy-drama that tells the story of Hyakken Uchida (Tatsuo Matsumura), a retired professor and writer, as he navigates his dwindling years surrounded by devoted former students. The title of the film, which translates to Not Yet, refers to Uchida’s response when asked if he is ready to die — a poignant metaphor for Kurosawa himself, who remained creatively engaged and resistant to the idea of finality.
The movie’s structure is episodic, with much of the action revolving around the professor’s yearly birthday celebrations, where his students gather to show their respect and admiration. Through these gatherings, Madadayo explores themes of loyalty, gratitude, and the relationship between teacher and student. It’s easy to see Akira Kurosawa’s identification with Uchida, as both men represent figures of great influence, yet grappling with the inevitable realities of aging. While Madadayo lacks the breathtaking visuals of Kurosawa’s earlier epics, it’s rich in subtlety and emotional depth. The professor’s quiet dignity, combined with his eccentric sense of humor brings a lightness to the film, even as it meditates on heavier existential themes. Kurosawa masterfully balances these tones and crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and melancholic.
Kurosawa Inspired Honda To Return To Filmmaking After His Retirement
Although Madadayo was Akira Kurosawa’s film in terms of authorship, Ishirô Honda’s involvement was significant. By the time Madadayo was in production, Honda had largely retired from directing kaiju films, having last directed Terror of Mechagodzilla in 1975. However, the two colleagues reunited at a golf course in the late 1970s and rekindled their friendship, according to Criterion Collection. Kurosawa inspired Honda to collaborate with him on his last five features, including 1980’s Kagemusha, Dreams, Rhapsody in August, and, lastly, Madadayo.
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Honda served as Kurosawa’s assistant director and close advisor on Madadayo, helping manage the set and providing practical support to the auteur, whose health was beginning to decline. Honda’s presence on the production mirrored the dynamic of the narrative itself — Uchida is surrounded by his loyal students just like Kurosawa was supported by his trusted friend,ensuring that his final creative endeavor could come to fruition.Madadayo marked the end of the road for both Kurosawa and Honda. Shortly after the film’s completion, Honda passed away in 1993, and Kurosawa followed five years later in 1998. Their deaths closed a chapter in Japanese cinema, but their legacies continue to influence filmmakers around the world. Kurosawa, with his epic storytelling and deep humanism, has inspired countless directors, from George Lucas to Martin Scorsese. Honda’s Godzilla films, meanwhile, became the foundation for the kaiju genre,shaping science fiction and monster movies globally.
While Madadayomay not be as celebrated as Akira Kurosawa’s earlier films, it remains an important work that highlights his enduring friendship with Honda and the professional partnership between two cinematic legends. Their work together, climaxing in this gentle, heartfelt film, serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of true artistic partnership.
Madadayo
- Release Date
- April 17, 1993
- Cast
- Kyōko Kagawa , Tatsuo Matsumura , Hisashi Igawa , George Tokoro , Masayuki Yui , Akira Terao , Takeshi Kusaka , Asei Kobayashi , Hidetaka Yoshioka , Yoshitaka Zushi , Mitsuru Hirata , Noriko Honma , Shigeo Katô , Kōjirō Kusanagi , Utaroku Miyakoya , Kimihiro Reizei , Kinzō Sakura , Mie Suzuki , Tetsuo Yamashita , Takao Zushi , Nobuto Okamoto , Tetsu Watanabe , Norio Matsui , Akihiko Sugizaki , Shû Nakajima
- Runtime
- 134 minutes
Madadayo is available to stream on the Criterion Channel in the U.S.
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