Akira Kurosawa: Every Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Based on the 1902 play of the same name, The Lower Depths is one of Kurosawa's finest films about the hardships of social inequality and poverty.

Set in the 19th century, the darkly amusing but otherwise frightening drama tells the story of a group of flawed, poor but hopeful souls living in Japan's slums.

With its impressive set design, spotless ensemble cast and sharp eye for both human tragedy and optimism, The Lower Depths is a film perfectly suited to a man of Kurosawa's tastes, and finds the director refusing to look away from the ugliness of his country's past, whilst also filling audiences with hope for a brighter future.