The Lower Depths
The Lower Depths Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Lower Depths
| Movie | The Lower Depths |
| Release Year | 1957 |
| Director | Akira Kurosawa |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 125 minutes (2h 5m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Lower Depths (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Lower Depths are led by Toshirō Mifune . The supporting cast, including Isuzu Yamada and Kyōko Kagawa , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Lower Depths stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Lower Depths has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Lower Depths
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1957, The Lower Depths is a Drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa, written by Akira Kurosawa. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Toshirō Mifune as Sutekichi the Thief.
Ending Explained: The Lower Depths
The Lower Depths Ending Explained: Residents of a rundown boardinghouse in 19th-century Japan, including a mysterious old man and an aging actor, get drawn into a love triangle that turns violent. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this 1957 drama film stars Toshirō Mifune (Sutekichi the Thief), alongside Isuzu Yamada as Osugi the Landlady, Kyōko Kagawa as Okayo, Osugi's Sister, Ganjirō Nakamura II as Rokubei, Osugi's Husband. Rated 7.1/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Lower Depths?
Residents of a rundown boardinghouse in 19th-century Japan, including a mysterious old man and an aging actor, get drawn into a love triangle that turns violent. When amoral thief Sutekichi breaks off his affair with landlady Osugi to romance her younger sister, Okayo, Osugi extracts her revenge by revealing her infidelity to her jealous husband.
Akira Kurosawa's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Toshirō Mifune (Sutekichi the Thief)'s journey. When amoral thief Sutekichi breaks off his affair with landlady Osugi to romance her younger sister, Okayo, Osugi extracts her revenge by revealing her infidelity to her jealous husband.
How Does Toshirō Mifune (Sutekichi the Thief)'s Story End?
- Toshirō Mifune: Toshirō Mifune's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Akira Kurosawa delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 5m runtime.
- Isuzu Yamada (Osugi the Landlady): Isuzu Yamada's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Kyōko Kagawa (Okayo, Osugi's Sister): Kyōko Kagawa's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Lower Depths Mean?
The ending of The Lower Depths ties together the narrative threads involving Toshirō Mifune. Akira Kurosawa chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Lower Depths Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Lower Depths Based on a True Story?
No, The Lower Depths is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshirō Mifune may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Lower Depths?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Toshirō Mifune or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Lower Depths Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelThe Lower Depths Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about The Lower Depths age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Lower Depths (1957) is 125 minutes (2h 5m). Directed by Akira Kurosawa, the film runs for 125 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Lower Depths is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lower Depths worth watching?
The Lower Depths is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Lower Depths parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Lower Depths identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Lower Depths (1957)?
The runtime of The Lower Depths (1957) is 125 minutes (approximately 2h 5m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
