Review of Throne of Blood (1957) by Eric H — 16 Apr 2013

Mixing Shakespeare, Japanese history, and Noh theatre, Kurosawa delivers a movie full of fog and ghosts, smoke and mirrors, and a general creepiness hinged on a strong feeling of the uncanny. Longtime collaborator Mifune delivers an obsessed performance alongside one of the most evil woman in cinema, a performance more fearfully forceful than the best of noir femme fatales.

"Throne of Blood" is a definite must-watch for all "Macbeth" fans and a recommended viewing for all. The performances and characterization are excellent, the direction is truly wonderful, the score is excellent.

Indeed, the only weak point the film has is its slightly confused vision of the witch, both suggesting that it defines Washizu's fate and reducing its presence from Shakespeare's work. This film is yet another great entry into the canon of both Shakespeare filmography and Akira Kurosawa.