Cast
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Akira Terao
as I
Mitsuko Baisho
as Mother of 'I'
Toshie Negishi
as Mother carrying child
Mieko Harada
as The Snow Fairy
Mitsunori Isaki
as Young I
Toshihiko Nakano
as Child I
Yoshitaka Zushi
as Pvt. Noguchi
Hisashi Igawa
as Nuclear Plant Worker
Chosuke Ikariya
as Crying Demon
Chishū Ryū
as Old Man
Martin Scorsese
as Vincent Van Gogh
Masayuki Yui
as Member of Climbing Team
Tetsuo Yamashita
as Second Lieutenant
Misato Tate
as Peach Trees' Fairy
Catherine Cadou
as Woman in the Fields
Crew
Director
- Akira Kurosawa
Producer
- Mike Y. Inoue
- Hisao Kurosawa
- Seikichi Iizumi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Dreams examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Akira Kurosawa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dreams took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1172 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dreams shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Napping Princess, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dreams offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rodin and Tales from the Darkside: The Movie explore similar territory, Dreams stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 11, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Revenue: $2,970,161
