Having seen another very early Kurosawa film ("Drunken Angel," 1948) I had fairly high expectations for this title. Unfortunately, it is not even remotely as good as "Drunken Angel." Made in the immediate aftermath of the war, "No Regrets in our Youth" is quite rooted in the history of that period and it focuses much more on exorcising militarist/fascist demons than on telling a story that transcends its time and place. The line between virtue and vice is drawn more sharply drawn than in Kurosawa's mature work, and this is perhaps the film's greatest defect. This is a melodrama with good performances and a decent story line but, watching this film, it seems implausible that this is the same director who would quickly blossom and make so many tremendous movies in just a few years.
In summary, this is an interesting movie that Kurosawa "completists" will want to see, but it shouldn't be a priority for most viewers.
In summary, this is an interesting movie that Kurosawa "completists" will want to see, but it shouldn't be a priority for most viewers.