Red Beard (Criterion Collection)

A young doctor discovers that he still has much to learn in "Red Beard" (1965), this enthralling character-driven drama that marks the final collaboration between director Akira Kurosawa and star Toshiro Mifune. The actor plays the title character, a doctor in nineteenth century Japan whose clinic is devoted to treating the poor. Yuzo Kayama plays his new intern, whose arrogance is only matched by his contempt for his impoverished patients. Only gradually does the intern become aware that his education isstill far from complete and that Red Beard, with his patience and compassion, is the perfect teacher.