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
The Craft
Be Here Now
The Immateriality of the Material
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
#AskGaryVee
Read Write Own
American Nations
The Professor in the Cage
Epic Measures
What You Want
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Gulag Archipelago
Thinking In Systems
Successful Investing is a Process
Win Your Inner Battles
The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Remote: Office Not Required
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
The Big Test
The Coddling of the American Mind
Sell with a Story
Tragedy and Hope
Mr. Putin
The World Until Yesterday
The Coming Wave
Idea Makers
Against The World
Mathematician's Delight
Exhalation
The Lessons of History
I Think, Therefore I Laugh
The Big Picture
Thinking and Deciding
A Life Decoded
A Life
Cold Calling Techniques
Lights Out
The Idealist
The Politics Industry
Triggered
The Moment of Lift
Malabar Farm
Things Never To Tell Children
The Amateur
Turtles All The Way Down
Motherless Brooklyn
Powering the Future
The MAGA Doctrine
Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damnedest Thing
Illusions
Adapt
A Few Lessons from Sherlock Holmes
The Making of the President 1960
One Billion Hungry
Tomorrow's Table
Whole Earth Discipline
The Paris Architect
Boom
The Power of Now
Essays In Persuasion
Natural
Diaspora
All I Want to Know is Where I'm Going To Die So I'll Never Go There
Fast Food Nation
The Last Days of Night
Spiritual Warfare
War and Chance
Talking To Humans
Eating to Extinction
An Agricultural Testament
The Warrior Ethos
The Jungle Grows Back
The Hustler
Striking Thoughts
The Biggest Con
Where The Wild Things Are
Life 3.0
Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius
A Wrinkle in Time
Son of the Morning Star
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros
The Formula
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
The Elements of Statistical Learning
The Art of Spirited Away
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Predictably Irrational
Business Adventures
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Meditations
Ringworld
Dear Founder
Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar
One Simple Idea
Mindfulness
Cradle to Cradle
Hiroshima
We Were Soldiers Once... And Young
Undaunted Courage