Is The Lower Depths Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Lower Depths is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Lower Depths Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1957, The Lower Depths emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, The Lower Depths attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Lower Depths features a noteworthy lineup led by Toshirō Mifune . Supported by the likes of Isuzu Yamada and Kyōko Kagawa , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Lower Depths (1957) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Lower Depths Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Lower Depths is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Lower Depths Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Lower Depths resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Lower Depths reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Lower Depths?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Lower Depths
- Toshirō Mifune – Sutekichi the Thief
- Isuzu Yamada – Osugi the Landlady
- Kyōko Kagawa – Okayo, Osugi's Sister
- Ganjirō Nakamura II – Rokubei, Osugi's Husband
- Minoru Chiaki – Former Samurai
Top Highlights
Toshirō MifuneSutekichi the Thief
Isuzu YamadaOsugi the Landlady
Kyōko KagawaOkayo, Osugi's Sister
Ganjirō Nakamura IIRokubei, Osugi's Husband
Minoru ChiakiFormer Samurai
Kamatari FujiwaraThe Actor
Akemi NegishiOsen the Prostitute
Nijiko KiyokawaOtaki the Candy-Seller
Kōji MitsuiYoshisaburo the Gambler
Eijirō TōnoTomekichi the Tinker
Where to Watch The Lower Depths Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
The Lower Depths has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Lower Depths stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1957 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lower Depths movie hit or flop?
The Lower Depths is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is The Lower Depths worth watching?
Yes, The Lower Depths is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch The Lower Depths online?
The Lower Depths is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
