Review of Ran (1985) by Amilcar A — 29 Dec 2009
This movie is not reviewable really; it would need to be technical and I just don't have the skills. While not as great as the Seven Samurai it's a film of epic proportions. Not only is it visually superb but the acting is breathtaking.
One could argue that any film that "borrows" from the Bard already has a bit of an edge but making something as phenomenal requires a lot of creativity, imagination and balls.
Ran is amongst my favorite Asian epics. It is a really well balanced film enough changes of pace to make it bearable at 3 hrs long. It's also a success to make a great movie in a language that few people understand even if sporadically. Hidetora in particular speaks with such eloquence and candor that the tonality and rapport he builds with the audience are very special.
The battles and horse sequences are impeccable all in a setting of a rural Japan that is hard to imagine given then urbanization and concentration in the country today.
The only thing I hate about movies like this one is that there are no robots, massive explosions or boobs. I'll take one for my brain though.
This review of Ran (1985) was written by Amilcar A on 29 Dec 2009.
Ran has generally received very positive reviews.
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