Question 1

How did Toshirô Mifune's role in 'Drunken Angel' expand from the original script?

Accepted Answer

In early drafts, Matsunaga was a small supporting part, but Akira Kurosawa was so impressed with Mifune's performance that he greatly increased the role until the doctor and gangster had almost equal screen-time.

Question 2

What real-life inspiration sparked the creation of the main character in 'Drunken Angel'?

Accepted Answer

The alcoholic doctor character was inspired by a real unlicensed doctor working in Tokyo's black market district that director Akira Kurosawa and writer Keinosuke Uekusa encountered.

Question 3

Who did Akira Kurosawa actually intend the title 'Drunken Angel' to refer to?

Accepted Answer

Kurosawa intended the title to refer to the alcoholic doctor Sanada, who he saw as an 'angel' for trying to save the gangster Matsunaga from illness and violence, not Matsunaga himself as many assume.

Question 4

Which significant first collaboration occurred in 'Drunken Angel'?

Accepted Answer

This film marked the first collaboration between director Akira Kurosawa and both actor Toshirô Mifune and composer Fumio Hayasaka, beginning long-term partnerships.

Question 5

What historical context surrounds the jazz singer performing 'Jungle Boogie' in the film?

Accepted Answer

Shizuko Kasagi, who performs the jazz number, was a popular singer whose career suffered during WWII due to associations with American music, then revived post-war as American influences returned to Japan.

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Drunken Angel

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