FWD: Akira Kurosawa Question

[Ono Seiko and Aaron Gerow]

I received this inquiry from a student writing on Kurosawa's _Dreams_.  
Since I haven't written on the film myself, I thought someone out there 
may be able to help her much better than I can (though I did try in my 
own response).

>	Hello. I am an American film student, and I have developed a strong
>interest in Akira Kurosawa's film entitled "Dreams". I am writing an
>extensive paper on this particular film, but I can not find any
>information (essays, critiques etc.) on the piece.
>	I would GREATLY appreciate it if you could email me information about:
>(1) Kurosawa as auteur ( I know that he had much control over editing
>and production design, but I do not know the specifics).
>(2) The cultural meanings and implications of such elements as the "Doll
>Celebration" for the spirits of the peach blossoms and the "Foxes" that
>appear in the first dream.
>(3) Your personal response to the film.
>(4) Any reviews or essays that you are aware of on the film.
>
>	I realize this sounds like a lot, but I would be truly grateful for any
>information that you could provide on "Dreams". I feel that your insight
>could be valuable to my essay. Thank you for your time.
>
>Sincerely,
>Cynthia Harding
>email: csh432 at nwu.edu