Movies to watch

Dreams (1990) is an anthology film of eight vignettes written and directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film tells the story in a series of dreams of the lives of people who get intertwined with each other, as they experience strange events related to certain weather conditions. The film was inspired by actual recurring dreams that Kurosawa said he had repeatedly. Dreams is both a showcase for its maker’s artistry at its most unbridled and a deeply personal lament for a world at the mercy of human ignorance. The film’s deep reliance on Japanese folklore and symbolism can feel challenging for some audiences. Its story unfolds visually, using colors and landscapes more than dialogue, which makes it feel like a meditative piece of art. Kurosawa made the film as a personal reflection on life and mortality, which gives it a spiritual, introspective tone that isn’t easy for everyone to connect with. Dreams was made five years after Ran, with assistance from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and funded by Warner Bros. The film was screened out of competition at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival. #cinemaoftheworld #japan