Kurosawa's debut features a few cinematic flourishes which hint at things to come in his later works, including the confident use of symbolism and of the forces of nature (particularly wind and rain). For a first-time director, it's clear there is an artistic vision and creative talent at work here.
Despite this, the plot does feel rather slight and even conventional, probably due to the influence Western cinema had on Kurosawa at the time. Wartime budget constraints and heavy governmental censoring didn't help this film, and as such, it doesn't feel completely satisfying, particularly when seen next to the works of fellow Japanese contemporary Ozu Yasujiro, or indeed Kurosawa's later career.
Despite this, the plot does feel rather slight and even conventional, probably due to the influence Western cinema had on Kurosawa at the time. Wartime budget constraints and heavy governmental censoring didn't help this film, and as such, it doesn't feel completely satisfying, particularly when seen next to the works of fellow Japanese contemporary Ozu Yasujiro, or indeed Kurosawa's later career.