Review of Ran (1985) by Hiro P — 25 Oct 2008
Certainly one of the greatest epic films ever made, Ran begins to startle something within you from the first frame; large, expansive shots with near still figures in the foreground, moving just slightly like leaves on a tree limb, almost like a moving painting.
The King Lear of course. However, Ran is more than that. Kurosawa elicits a feeling of such depth in these characters, such foolishness, cruelty, hatred, peacefulness, and inner-being, that we can't help but become transfixed by them, and watch in horror as they collide, like the fascination a car crash might bring.
Technically it's perfect. At times it's like watching an Antonioni film. Beautiful shots of the mundane, like clouds forming, or vast hillsides, lush and green. The colors are rich, bright, and add a wonderful offset to the dark thread of the story.
Without any doubt, always one of my favorite Kurosawa films, or any films for that matter.
This review of Ran (1985) was written by Hiro P on 25 Oct 2008.
Ran has generally received very positive reviews.
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