Review of Ran (1985) by Jose P — 27 Mar 2008

Akira Kurosawa's adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear." However, as the story moves on, Kurosawa consistently diverges from the source material until it's pretty much unrecognizable save for the everybody dies part (Hey, this is a tragedy).

Though it's tempting to criticize someone from thinking they could make "King Lear" any better by changing it, I have to say I stand by the decision. Shakespeare doesn't transfer well into film and as it is, the political game in the film's over-arching storyline helps keep interest and moves everything along nicely with dazzling battle scenes.

The focus is still in the mad old King, and there are a couple of other subplots within, but it never feels like any of it could have been cut out and the lengthy run time is justified. The soundtrack, usually a standout in a Kurosawa film, is rather mediocre in "Ran," and none of the actors are standout in any of the roles.

It's slow, you know how it ends, but at the same time it's very compelling, and you never feel like going to do something else, as you might with other exceedingly lengthy fare (Lord of the Rings, anyone?).

A very good movie, but not up to the standard I'm used to from Kurosawa.