“Freedom is something you have to fight for.”
- Professor Yagihara

This is a line from Akira Kurosawa’s 1946 film No Regrets for Our Youth which, coincidentally, sums up the entire theme of the film. Set in Kyoto after the Manchurian Incident, No Regrets tells the story of three classmates attending Kyoto University and their life-long struggle for freedom amidst militaristic, fascist opposition. While the film has long gone unnoticed (most likely due to it not being available on DVD until just recently), No Regrets is a powerful and fantastic film that’s definitely worth a watch.

The film opens with the trio - Noge, Yukie, and Itokawa, having some fun in the sun while out for a picnic. It quickly becomes apparent that there’s a blossoming love triangle between the three as both Itokawa and Noge vie for Yukie’s attention. Shortly after, things take a turn for the worse when the university fires Yukie’s father, Professor Yagihara, with other teachers threatening to resign as well. Student riots soon ignite and Noge finds himself leading the charge. Meanwhile, Yukie finds herself torn between the exciting and rebellious Noge and the dull but safe Itokawa, who her parents urge her to marry. As the film (as well as time) progresses, the three go their separate ways, with their destinies often intersecting throughout the years as they each attempt to define themselves and what they believe in.

No Regrets is an interesting film from Kurosawa as it’s much deeper than the simple love triangle scenario or coming-of-age setup that’s initially presented. Yes it has these elements but it also tackles politics, philosophy, and of course, freedom. This last one, as mentioned earlier, is a primary theme of the film with many of its characters fighting for their personal freedom as well as the freedom of others. And while some of the characters are more likable than others (Yukie came off a bit too high maintenance/depressing/bit of a tease to me at first), each and every character is fleshed out very well with their own dreams, motivations, and weaknesses. It’s especially intriguing to see Yukie transform from a sheltered, spoiled young adult to a hard working woman who’s devoted to human rights and activism.

Personally, I didn’t think I was going to like this film and for a good half-hour into it, I wasn’t too crazy about it. But as the film progressed and a few surprises were thrown my way, it has quickly become one of my favorites of Kurosawa’s work. On a side note, long-time fans will be delighted to know that Kurosawa regular Takashi Shimura makes an appearance (if but a very brief one).

Kurosawa has once again crafted another masterpiece that is both poetic and deeply moving. From the competently written script, to the fantastic cinematography, to even the well paced editing, No Regrets for Our Youth is but one in a long line of gems to come from the late director. And while he is best known for his subsequent films Seven Samurai and Rashomon, No Regrets is most certainly a film no Kurosawa fan or cinema enthusiast should pass up.

Those that live in the New York City area can catch No Regrets For Our Youth on the big screen at the Film Forum theatre, which will be screening the film on January 25th at 2:40, 6:25, and 10:10. For everyone else, the film is available on DVD via The Criterion Collection. Check it out.