Review of Ran (1985) by John A — 03 Dec 2010

In a mad world, only the mad are sane.

Akira Kurosawa adapts Shakespeare's King Lear, and despite changing many aspects, stays faithful to the play in which it is based.

One wouldn't think it if he were to look at some screenshots of this film, but this is one of the darkest works (thematically) ever produced; even though there is a comical character in the film, he is present only to comment and drive home the despair and madness, he is not in the film to make you laugh. Leave it to director Kurosawa to completely leave out comic relief even though the opportunity presents itself, but thats one reason I adore him so much.

While I do not like the set and art designs as much as I do in his previous film, Kagemusha, Kurosawa takes more advantage of them, using them in ways that help tell the narrative. The colors of the costume and sets along with the natural landscapes make for an absolute scenic treat.

Ran, is perhaps my favorite Kurosawa film, thats saying alot considering how much I adore The Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood. If you haven't seen it, then may the cruel gods look down on you in pity.