Review of Throne of Blood (1957) by Nadeem A — 20 Aug 2008
A very fine example of Kurasawa's artistry and indubitable mastership of the possibilities available through simple yet elegant cinematic visuals. Metaphor and artistic verve combine in a rare display of how a great economy of means can work to express the purity and simplicity of life; in this case of the Samurai tradition.
The adaptation of Macbeth lends a regulative moral dimension to what is, essentially, the creative enterprise of a visual genius. The metaphor of the aloofness of space in the midst of human multiplicities is grasped from an advantageous 'within'.
A contemplative virtuoso production by a Director with his finger firmly yet gently poised on the insuperable and majestic aspect of Wabi or "emptiness". As in traditional Japanese No drama the moral and religious significance of the sword and the theme of one-mindedness with the cold blade conspire to provide an unparalleled cinematic insight into what mindedness of the sword entails.
A film resplendant with spectacular medieval fighting scenes that capture the ghost-like evanesence of the depicted forms. Haunting and reverant, a memorable look at what it means to imbibe brushstrokes on a canvas ultimately emptied of them.
Recommended viewing.
This review of Throne of Blood (1957) was written by Nadeem A on 20 Aug 2008.
Throne of Blood has generally received very positive reviews.
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