Review of Ran (1985) by Rod A — 23 Dec 2010
This film is absolutely beautiful. Interestingly there are so many horrible actions transpiring amid the beauty. There's pride, murder, revenge, slaughter, deception...but it all looks so pretty. I'm not completely sure if Kurosawa intended for this irony or not.
One would assume he did. Throne of Blood is dark and menacing as is Peter Brook's version of King Lear. Kurosawa's Lear seems so fragile as he shuttles between the conquests he's just bequeathed to his sons.
The grandeur of the scenery and costumes doesn't mask his vulnerability. Similarly, Mieko Harada's performance as the vengeful princess is stunning because of the rage that erupts out of her flower-like appearance.
Ran delivers a few powerful emotional moments despite its epic proportion.
This review of Ran (1985) was written by Rod A on 23 Dec 2010.
Ran has generally received very positive reviews.
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