Take it from Kurosawa

Re: our recent contretemps with Iran. In Akira Kurosawa’s classic film “Yojimbo,” the two rival factions of the town rush out onto opposite ends of the main street, scowling and making war cries. As they advance closer and closer to each other brandishing their weapons and hurling invectives, it becomes clear both sides are really afraid to fight. They are more interested in appearing manly and not losing face, and the skirmish ends without bloodshed.

However, as the film continues, they cannot help continuing to antagonize each other and at the end of the film, they do fight, and all are killed. The only survivors are the two peacemakers and the lone samurai who had earlier decided that neither side was worth fighting or dying for. If life indeed does imitate art, let us hope the final scene ends differently.

Bill Leong

Spokane