Akira Kurosawa

Film & Theater Japanese 1910 – 1998 408 quotes

Most influential Asian filmmaker

Most quoted

"The characters in my films try to live honestly and make the most of the lives they’ve been given. I believe you must live honestly and develop your abilities to the full. People who do this are the real heroes."

— from Interview/Statement

"With a good script, a good director can produce a masterpiece. With the same script, a mediocre director can produce a passable film. But with a bad script even a good director can't possibly make a good film."

— from Interview/Statement

"The most important thing is to have a good script. If you have a good script, you can make a good film even with bad actors. But if you have a bad script, you can't make a good film even with good actors."

— from Interview

All quotes by Akira Kurosawa (408)

In a mad world, only the mad are sane.

Interview

The artist is a person who has to be able to see the world in a different way than other people.

Lecture

I don't like to talk about my films. I like to make them.

Interview

I have always believed that the best films are those that are universal, that can be understood by people all over the world.

Acceptance Speech

The most important thing for a director is to have courage.

Lecture

If you want to make a film, you have to be willing to take risks.

Interview

I believe that the purpose of art is to make people think.

Interview

The camera is a tool, but it's also an extension of your eye.

Lecture

I have always tried to make films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Interview

A good film is like a good meal. It should satisfy you and leave you wanting more.

Interview

The most difficult thing is to make a film that is simple and profound at the same time.

Lecture

I believe that the best films are those that are timeless.

Interview

The director is like a conductor. He has to bring all the different elements together to create a harmonious whole.

Lecture

I have always been fascinated by the human condition.

Interview

The most important thing is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Lecture

I believe that the best way to learn about filmmaking is to watch a lot of films.

Interview

The cinema is a powerful medium. It can change the way people think and feel.

Interview

I have always tried to make films that are true to life.

Interview

The most important thing is to have a passion for what you do.

Lecture

I believe that the best films are those that are made with love.

Interview