Review of Ran (1985) by Mitch Q — 10 Jan 2011
This film is more proof that Akira Kurosawa deserves every accolade and his reputation as one of history's greatest filmmakers. Everything about this film is brilliant -- performances, costume design, cinematography, score. Tatsuya Nadakai completely steals the film as Lord Hidetora, not just in the role as Warlord and patriarch of the House of Ichimonji, but also in his portrayal of the sadness and pain of old age.
The first hour or so is exposition, so is a bit slow, although not in a bad way. But at that point the film kicks into high gear and never backs down. The battle scenes from here on out are among the best I've ever seen just in terms of their impact. And the final scenes of the film between Lord Hidetora and his son are heartbreaking.
Like my favorite Kurosawa, Throne of Blood, this is based on a Shakespeare play, this time King Lear. Kurosawa had such a way of taking these plays and making them his own, it makes me wish he had just started at the top of The Bard's playlist and worked his way down. What would he have done with Hamlet? Romeo and Juliet? Othello? The mind reels.
This review of Ran (1985) was written by Mitch Q on 10 Jan 2011.
Ran has generally received very positive reviews.
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