Something Like an Autobiography

Akira Kurosawa

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of 10 biographies Jason Calacanis recommends reading.

Book Synopsis

"Something Like an Autobiography" by Akira Kurosawa is a compelling memoir that delves into the iconic filmmaker's life and creative journey. Kurosawa takes readers on a captivating expedition through his childhood, his turbulent youth, and his rise to becoming one of Japan's most celebrated directors.

In the book, Kurosawa reflects on his early struggles as an aspiring painter and his eventual transition to the world of cinema. With candidness and introspection, he shares the personal experiences and encounters that shaped his artistic vision and approach to storytelling. Drawing inspiration from both Western and Japanese influences, Kurosawa presents a unique perspective on the world of filmmaking.

Throughout the pages, Kurosawa shares anecdotes about the making of his most renowned films, such as "Rashomon," "Seven Samurai," and "Yojimbo." He discusses his collaborations with actors and renowned cinematographers, while providing valuable insights into his creative process and the challenges he faced along the way.

Beyond his cinematic journey, Kurosawa delves into Japan's cultural and historical context, offering a nuanced exploration of the nation's identity and the role of cinema within it. Through his narrative, Kurosawa highlights the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding and bridging cultural divides.

"Something Like an Autobiography" is not only a memoir of a master filmmaker but also a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the transformative nature of art. Kurosawa's honest and captivating storytelling offers readers a profound glimpse into his world, one that continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

Explore More Books

See All
Defending Beef
Information
How The Mind Works
The Beak of the Finch
A Cure for the Common Company
A Most Beautiful Thing
The Art of Travel
Of Wolves and Men
Bel Canto
David Foster Wallace
Greenlights
Good Night, Little Bear
Understanding Michael Porter
Amusing Ourselves to Death
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Secrets of Sand Hill Road
An Everyone Culture
Mean Genes
Life After Power
Sea Flight
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Louis XIV
The Bottomless Well
Born Red
Demons
Dancing In The Glory Of Monsters
Polio
History and Geography of Human Genes
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Catastrophic Care
The Big Short
Irresistible
Einstein
The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King
On Immunity
Triumph Of The City
The Quest for El Cid
The Power Of Productivity
The Making of the Atomic Bomb
The Art of War
Super Mind
The Warren Buffett Portfolio
The Middle Kingdoms
The Butterfly Defect
Follow The Money
Eisenhower in War and Peace
Swimming Across
The Alchemy of Finance
Going Clear
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
Blueprint
Nuclear Terrorism
The Letters of William Godwin
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
The Opposing Shore
The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide
Nine Pints
The Anatomy of the State
Think Again
Our Mathematical Universe
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Skin In The Game
Being Aware of Being Aware
Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens
Why Buy Bitcoin
Where Wizards Stay Up Late
Dead Wake
Tiny Habits
A Mathematician's Lament
The Qur'an
On Power
Body by Science
1984
The Sheltering Sky
Kindly Inquisitors
The Gay Science
Idoru
Freedom from the Known
Little Leaders
The Tyranny of Experts
Barbarians At The Gate
Capital Ideas
Dare To Fly
Home Game
Ignition!
Bobby Kennedy
Little Fires Everywhere
Vasistha's Yoga
Range
The Discovery of France
Life Is What You Make It
Silently Seduced
Man, Economy, and State
Viral
The Age of the Unthinkable
Gödel, Escher, Bach
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations
Founders' Son
Extreme Ownership
Behind the Cloud
Mountains Beyond Mountains