Director: Akira KurosawaStarring: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryu, Mieko Harada
Points: 100 out of 100
Rating: Teen (violence)
Comment: "An epic produced by a genius..."
Films from the East doesn't get the kind of attention it deserves in this part of the world. Often we see epic films that glorify Crusaders, Spartans, Greeks and Romans, but not that often we get to see films on Samurai warfare. More often than not, it is more interesting to see a film about warriors from the East. Perhaps this is jingoism talking.
The film is based on an original script by Akira Kurosawa, although the parallel it has with Shakespeare's King Lear is uncanny. The story revolves around an elderly warlord, Lord Hidetora, whose throne was succeeded to his three sons. However, two of the corrupt sons turned on him upon receiving power.
What is so awesome about the film is how much it transcends into more than just a war movie involving the samurai. The film is laden with philosophy.
Some might consider the special effects to be laughable, one example include exaggeration of blood spatter. You will see things like a fountain of blood shooting from a decapitated head. However, consider this to be part of the aesthetics of the film and you will learn to appreciate it. In fact, very little special effects are used due to Kurosawa's expertise in cinematography.
This film deserves at least one sitting for those who are into epic films.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- Wonderful re-telling of King Lear
- Philosophical
The Bad [-0]
- (none)
100 - 0 = 100 points
The film is based on an original script by Akira Kurosawa, although the parallel it has with Shakespeare's King Lear is uncanny. The story revolves around an elderly warlord, Lord Hidetora, whose throne was succeeded to his three sons. However, two of the corrupt sons turned on him upon receiving power.
What is so awesome about the film is how much it transcends into more than just a war movie involving the samurai. The film is laden with philosophy.
Some might consider the special effects to be laughable, one example include exaggeration of blood spatter. You will see things like a fountain of blood shooting from a decapitated head. However, consider this to be part of the aesthetics of the film and you will learn to appreciate it. In fact, very little special effects are used due to Kurosawa's expertise in cinematography.
This film deserves at least one sitting for those who are into epic films.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- Wonderful re-telling of King Lear
- Philosophical
The Bad [-0]
- (none)
100 - 0 = 100 points
