Kurosawa's debut feature is surprisingly rich in many of the themes he'd later develop. The opening scene, the camera movement, humour, is bold for a 1st time director. The use of a montage sequence early in the film probably reflects the influence of soviet cinema.
The challenge of change, both personal and in society. The use of strength, for good or bad, in mid 40s Japan (in midst of war) makes this thematically a weighty debut. This is the first of the 6 films on the BFI box set "Early Kurosawa".
More than interesting. An assured debut.