(Directed by Akira Kurosawa from a script by Ryūzō Kikushima, Hideo Oguni, Elijiro Hisaita, and Akira Kurosawa; starring Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyōko Kagawa, Tatsuya Mihashi, Tsutomo Yamazaki, and Yutaka Sada. Released 01 March 1963; watched 2023w51 via Criterion Channel)

Had to restart because I was too exhausted to appreciate it on first viewing, but once I did, it handily became my favorite Kurosawa film: tight, taut, and at the same time, free-flowing – especially in the second half (similar structure to IKIRU) –, unafraid to take lengthy divergencies into the intricacies and frustrations of police work (reminded me of Jules Dassin's THE NAKED CITY in its procedural aspects – the briefing / report sequence was riveting – and its eye for locational verisimilitude). Mifune is, unsurprisingly, electrifying – never have I been as inspired to consider shoes so passionately – as is Tsutomo Yamazaki as the desperate, deadly, and ultimately broken kidnapper (how inspired, I wonder, was Frank Miller by the shot pictured above when he designed Kevin in the first SIN CITY yarn?). One of the essential crime films - and perhaps one of my favorite films: if it's not on the list, it's certainly nearing it. Will be adding to the collection post haste.