Review of Throne of Blood (1957) by Jason J — 27 Oct 2011

Kurosawa's take on Macbeth is nothing short of sensational and this might be the best movie of any of Shakespeare's works. It's THAT good. The visuals employed by him is brilliant such as the use of swirling fog, black volcanic sand on bleak landscapes and huge fortresses.

Toshiro Mifune who is definitely my favorite Japanese actor of all time gives us yet another awesome performance as the guilt stricken Washizu but somehow he is also given a good run for his money in acting by Isuzu Yamada who plays his power hungry wife Asaji.

There are many highlights when you watch this movie such as the encounter with the spirit in the forest for example but for me the climax tops it all when Washizu's treachery is discovered by his men and they start to shoot a load of arrows on him in his fortress.

I can't praise this movie enough. Highly recommended.