Stray Dog is a 1949 Japanese crime film directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune. The film follows the story of a young detective named Murakami who is distraught after losing his gun to a pickpocket on a crowded bus. He sets out to find the thief, going undercover and diving deep into the world of Tokyo's underworld.
While searching for the pickpocket, Murakami meets a variety of characters and experiences the gritty reality of a post-war Tokyo. As he gets closer to the thief, he realizes that he has more in common with him than he originally thought.
The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the duality of human nature. It is often seen as a precursor to Kurosawa's later works, such as Drunken Angel and High and Low. Stray Dog was praised for its atmospheric cinematography, strong performances, and insightful commentary on Japanese society.
Overall, Stray Dog is a classic noir thriller that offers a unique perspective on post-war Japan.