... true path of the profession?

Red Beard (赤ひげ Akahige, Japanese; 1965)
Director: Akira Kurosawa

The message in this 1965 film is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. It explores humanity, our existence and the true path of how the practice of medicine should be. It tries to drive the point that people involved in this noble profession should be socialist at heart and capitalism may be their enemy. That poverty and ignorance is the real reason why people remain sick and become ill because medical service desert the very people who logically need more attention. Every individual who appears helpless and unimpressive at the end of his life may actually have a heart wrenching tale associated with his life. There may be a string of mourners or well wishers crying behind him or they may carry a secret to their grave. If we understand the dynamics of the life of an individual, we would understand why he is acting the way he is acting.

This 3 hour movie is set in the early 19th century Japan where modern medicine was slowly creeping into Shogun Japan.
A cocky young Dutch-medicine trained doctor, Yasumoto, is tricked to work at a rundown village hospital for the poor which is perennially short of hands and supplies. It is headed by a dedicated chief doctor Niide nicknamed 'Red Beard' for the colour of his beard. The haughty young doctor refuse to partake in any of their activities or don their uniform. He was hoping that his services would be terminated and be sent off back to city where he plans to work as a doctor treating the rich and famous members of the Shogunate. That was where the money was and he wanted to enjoy the fruit of his hard work.

Dr Yasumoto, slowly realises the real meaning of practicing medicine through the patients that he is exposed to. A rich gold leaf painter in his death bed like an orphan. Yasumoto is assigned to accompany him in his last moments which is supposed to be most solemn.

Then there was a philanthropist who is liked by everyone and has a dark secret. He reveals on his death bed the death of wife who jilted him.

During Dr Niide's tour of duty treating patients in the village, he rescues a 12 year old child from a brothel. She is emotionally disturbed by her ordeal. She is taken in to the hospital and she becomes an important pillar for Dr Yasumoto's acceptance of the concept of medicine for the masses.

In a secluded hut near the hospital also housed is a mysterious lady who has the reputation of hurting her lovers.

A subplot involves a small boy who steals from the hospital kitchen to feed his ailing family. He finds it more convenient to steal than to beg for alms. At a sad moment, his misdemeanour is discovered and his family attempts suicide. The boy is saved.
After all the events that happened, Dr Yasumoto realises that he is much needed in this tiny hospital for the poor than the rich. He follows the path of Dr Niide.
This feel good movie is a good wake up call for all those in the medical profession. With all the increasing pressures from the growing capitalistic demands, practitioners tend to go astray from their intended intention to serve the sick and needy.

The take home lesson from this movie is that the world can be a cruel one. We cannot singlehandedly change all this it our lifetime. At the same time, we cannot just lift our hand in surrender. Every little small thing that we do may actually alter the course of someone's life. That little thing that we do may indeed make this place a better place to live in. It is a timely reminder that medicine is a great deal more than an avenue into a fashionable career of attending parties of the rich of famous, looking pretty and donning the pages of the 'Tatler'!