Review of Throne of Blood (1957) by A.j. S — 09 Oct 2010

More would be expected from a Shakespearian period piece by Akira Kurosawa, but he does not completely disappoint. His first of several adaptations, seen here, is based off of "Macbeth" set in feudal Japan.

A satisfying story remains intact, but there are a lot of superfluous asides and excess in certain parts. Filmed on Mount Fuji, the landscape is vast and beautiful - constant fog and an abundant forest set the stage as this is the closest Kurosawa probably ever came to making a suspenseful movie.

There is a specific atmosphere that the film captures thanks to some harsh lighting and a scintillating score. Toshirô Mifune gives another fine performance as the crazed successor and he especially lets his talent ring in the intense conclusion.

Much of the film succeeds in its pursuits, but there is plenty wrong with it as well. "Throne of Blood" seems like a necessary step in the director's canon and when watching it there is no doubting its influence, even if it is minor Kurosawa.