it easy to make really general comment about a film like this . the fact that it one of the only remain japanese film from this era cause people to say that it start japanese cinema and be unlike anything the west ever make . the latter of these two comment be particularly false a kinugasa himself admit to rip off caligari on more than one occasion . but style be mean to be imitate and and doesn not take away from this film importance . what we have here be experimental theme and composition build on already establish visual style and open the door for a truly brilliant layering of narrative and reality . for this purpose and the madhouse be the ideal setting and and the writer know this . this be a landmark film and and every effort should be make to track it down . 5 out of 5 essential .