The author, film critic for The Japan Times, presents a thorough critical analysis of the director who has produced such outstanding films as The Seven Samurai and Rashomon. Each of the twenty-seven films is examined closely in full textual detail in terms of theme, style, production approach, acting and cinematic technique and structure. Whole sequences are occasionally reproduced and each film has a number of vivid accompanying photographs. Kurosawa is discussed in personal and aesthetic terms. A gratifying study for both film buff and critic.