Just how much of a difference is there for an artist between a project in which they have personal interest, and one they find artistically fulfilling? Maybe a painter enjoys the culinary arts but finds food and dining tedious as a subject for their craft; maybe a filmmaker has an especial love of some animal, but can't manage to express it through their chosen medium. The latter instance is the relevant one in this instance, as this picture represents the only foray of legendary Kurosawa Akira into television, and documentary film-making. There is also the matter of how the man was found circa 1970, as this is well established to have been a low point in both his career and his personal life; would that impact his output around this time? I do think the divide is apparent in 'Song of the horse' between the personal and the artistic, and at a time when Kurosawa perhaps needed a break creatively, this is surely something light that allowed him to recuperate. None of this is any inherent mark against the end result per se, but as a viewer, too, the endeavor isn't exactly the same rich and rewarding experience one commonly anticipates of the icon. Be that as it may, there is more value here than one may be inclined to think from the outside looking in.
Kurosawa's fascination with equines plainly shows through, and really, who could blame him? They are majestic creatures, and there is much to potentially explore with regards to their biology and their long, varied relationship with humans. This is certainly reflected in the movie as we're treated to plentiful footage of horses in and of themselves, in many scenarios and contexts, and sometimes with no greater intent than "Look at this beast. Admire him." As an animal lover myself, I can't argue. Elsewhere the film zeroes in a tad more concretely on the domestication of horses, and how they fit in among human civilization with labor, recreation, festivals - and above all, racing. Even in these examples, though, there remains a light touch and frivolity to the proceedings; this is not concerned so much with any particular substance as with the earnest purity of appreciating the life with whom we share our planet. Is this enough to satisfy audiences? The answer likely depends on how much you like horses, and nature at large. I will say that if nothing else is true, 'Song of the horse' is pleasant and relaxing, the type of gentle diversion we all need every now and again.
Cinematographer Kanau Mitsuji does a fine job of capturing all the material to greet us, and his camerawork echoes the soft, thoughtful tenor of the production at large while focusing on some splendid details. Much the same could be said of Sato Masaru's music; though occasionally kind of repetitive in how it is employed, and not specifically remarkable, it fits neatly alongside and ably lends to the tranquility of the presentation. There is also, of course, the narration we get from Mitani Noboru and Kawase Hiroyuki, the same man and child who appeared in Kurosawa's 'Dodes'ka-den' in notable roles. It might be Mitani and Kawase's participation here that most determines one's favor of the feature, actually, for their script has them interacting as a father and son commentating on the footage we are also see. One might reasonably recall the type of fare we'd see on PBS, or "local interest" specials, as there is an evident informational and educational slant to the project; e.g., the father may pose questions for the son to ponder and answer. In other cases, it's more that the boy is exuberant in his observations, with no additional verbiage from the father, and we can imagine him just patting his son on the head or back. All this, too, is no inherent indication of the title's quality, though again the question of raised of what it is one wants out of a given viewing experience.
In all honesty, this film is more enjoyable than I assumed it would be. Simply in light of the stark contrast with Kurosawa's highly celebrated works of narrative fiction (e.g., 'Seven samurai,' 'The hidden fortress') I freely admit that my expectations were very mixed. Again, though, this benefits from an uncomplicated sincerity that shows the filmmaker's fondness for horses. No, it's not a grabbing, compelling drama, or a thrilling, exciting action-adventure, but nor does it have any aim to be. There's something wholesome and refreshing about just regarding and treasuring our world as it is, whether that means other lifeforms or the diversity of human culture, and I kind of have to commend Kurosawa for breaking from routine in his oeuvre to shape something so endearing. To the same point, I'm rather reminded of the documentaries of Werner Herzog, where his absolute studious enchantment with People consistently shines through. Sometimes it really is enough to simply see, and to cherish from afar, and this wants nothing more than to provide some illumination of equines and hopefully to foster some like appreciation. Well, it's a job well done as far as I'm concerned. It's hardly something one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you're looking for something low-key and easygoing with which to decompress, the sum total really is quite lovely. 'Song of the horse' is a good time just as it is, and is worth a look if you have a chance to check it out.
