Song of the Horse

Akira Kurosawa’s only television work—a lyrical documentary that follows a thoroughbred from birth and training to the Japan Derby—framed by a grandfather’s narration to his grandson about the fading bond between people and horses.

Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Ryō Kinoshita, Song of the Horse leans on a strong ensemble — Hiroyuki Kawase, Noboru Mitani — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1970.