Dodes'ka-den is a 1970 film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film follows the lives of several residents of a slum located on the outskirts of Tokyo. The protagonist of the story is a young boy named Rokkuchan, who fantasizes himself as a streetcar driver. The story also features other characters such as a man named Hei who builds a house out of scrap material, a mentally unstable family, and a young woman named Ohama who is sexually abused by her uncle.
The film is notable for being Kurosawa's first color film as well as his first film shot in widescreen. It was released to mixed reviews and was not considered a commercial success. However, it remains a notable work in Kurosawa's filmography, showcasing his ability to craft deeply human stories with a visual flair that is unmatched.
Dodes'ka-den is a poignant and heartbreaking exploration of poverty, desperation, and hope. Kurosawa's camera captures the beauty and ugliness of the slum, presenting a vivid portrait of a community struggling to survive. The film's message is ultimately one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, with its characters finding moments of joy and beauty amidst the hardship of their lives.