Saiyûki

This film is a fantastical adaptation of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." It follows the legendary Monkey King, Son Goku, and his companions as they embark on a perilous pilgrimage to the West to obtain sacred scriptures. Along the way, they face numerous demons, challenges, and temptations, testing their faith and loyalty.

While "Saiyûki" (also known as "Monkey Business") predates Kurosawa's most internationally acclaimed works, it is still appreciated for its imaginative storytelling and early visual flair. It showcases Kurosawa's versatility, exploring themes of adventure and mythology with a lighter touch than his later samurai dramas.

• Appreciated for its whimsical take on a classic tale.

• Showcases early visual creativity and a sense of adventure.

• An interesting departure from Kurosawa's more famous works.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this earlier Kurosawa film, but those that exist often point to its charm and imaginative adaptation of the "Journey to the West" story.

Akira Kurosawa initially envisioned "Saiyûki" as a more mature and darker adaptation, but budgetary and studio constraints led to a more family-friendly and fantastical approach.