Review of Kagemusha (1980) by Adam Z — 12 Oct 2009
Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa and produced by George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, this powerful and beautiful feast of vibrant reds, blues, and violets tells the "Prince and the Pauper"-esque story of a lowly thief who takes the job of playing double to an Emperor engaged in warfare with a neighboring kingdom.
After the Emperor dies, the criminal is forced to take his place to prove to the enemy that they are still strong. The entire production paces itself almost like a stage play, opening to dark silouettes in the Emperor's room being slowly lit.
The final moments are strangely majestic as injured war horses stumble and fall to a lone bugle playing a haunting melody. This alone sticks with you.
This review of Kagemusha (1980) was written by Adam Z on 12 Oct 2009.
Kagemusha has generally received very positive reviews.
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