is a 1948 Japanese yakuza film directed by Akira Kurosawa, and co-written by Kurosawa and Keinosuke Uekusa. Produced by Toho and starring Takashi Shimura and Toshiro Mifune, it tells the story of alcoholic doctor Sanada, and his recidivist yakuza patient Matsunaga. Sanada tries to save Matsunaga from illness and the corruption of the yakuza while Matsunaga finds himself gradually sidelined within the yakuza syndicate and becomes increasingly self-destructive. The film was the first to depict the post–War yakuza and is generally considered to be Kurosawa's first major work.

Plot

Sanada is an alcoholic doctor living in a shanty town next to an open sump. He treats a small-time named Matsunaga—who was injured in a gunfight with a rival syndicate—despite his dislike of organised crime. Sanada diagnoses Matsunaga with tuberculosis; Matsunaga initially reacts violently but the two of them are interrupted by the arrival of Sanada's nurse Miyo. The following day Sanada goes to a bar in the local black market, which Matsunaga controls, and attempts to persuade Matsunaga to give up drinking and smoking. After Matsunaga kicks Sanada out of the bar, Sanada and Miyo discuss the imminent release from prison of Matsunaga's fellow yakuza and sworn brother, Okada, Miyo's abusive ex-boyfriend. Sanada continues treating his other patients, one of whom, a young female student, is making progress against her tuberculosis. After some pestering, Matsunaga agrees to listen to the doctor's advice and quit drinking.