Perspective

Akira Kurosawa writes the story of his life, of course, with unique authority. The beginning of the story is rather jumpy and inconsistent which could be attributed to the fact that he is writing from memory. He does not make references to journals or diaries or testimonials and therefore the reader must assume he is depending upon his own recollections. He sometimes references other people's accounts of incidents. However, he often does not agree with their versions. It can be assumed that either he or the other person does not remember accurately—or perhaps both. However, as the story passes through early childhood, the account takes on a more cohesive sense and begins to have fewer inconclusive episodes.

It is easy to discern his artistic bent and rather non-conformist style. Some of the sketchy episodes he relates do not have a pay-off or conclusion which is indicative...