Review of Ran (1985) by Grant S — 16 Oct 2015

Epic drama.

Set in Japan in the 16th century (or so), an elderly warlord retires,.

Handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly.

Underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them, or cause them.

To turn on each other...and him...

Directed by famed Japanese director Akira Kurasawa (Seven Samurai,.

Rashomon, Yojimbo), this is a grand, sweeping tale of family betrayal.

And lust for power. Based on Shakespeare's King Lear but even if you.

Weren't familiar with that work, you can spot the Shakespearean aspects.

- the family feud, the Machiavellian power plays, the plots and.

Counter-plots, the tragic twists, often from seemingly arbitrary.

Events.

Not perfect though. The story could have been tighter - there are a few.

Sub-plots which don't really add anything to the story and just prolong.

It unnecessarily. Some plot developments aren't explained very well.

Either. And I could have done without the irritating court jester (more.

Like court cynic) character...