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While there were many great films released during the decade of the 1980s that still remain brilliant cinematic achievements, perhaps no other single film from this period is any better than the 1985 masterpiece "RAN", a stunning epic motion picture from the legendary director Akira Kurosawa. For his 27th film, the "sensei" of Japanese cinema, Akira Kurosawa, transposes Shakespeare's KING LEAR to feudal Japan. "RAN", which translates as "chaos" or "turmoil," is the tragic tale of Lord Hidetora, a warlord who decides to divide his empire among his three sons on the eve of his 70th birthday. However, Hidetora's youngest and most compassionate son, Saburo, defiantly objects to this hasty decision and is disowned by the proud, stubborn ruler. Once the two eldest sons take control of the empire, they quickly turn on their father and begin vying for total control over the land. As Hidetora is banished from his own kingdom in a bloody battle, he must confront the consequences of his violent, ruthless past. Ten years in the making, "RAN" represents the culmination of Kurosawa's career by revisiting his skill at adapting Shakespeare, as evidenced in THRONE OF BLOOD, and displaying the cinematic splendor of his other landmark films such as SEVEN SAMURAI and RASHOMON. With its magnificent costumes, breathtaking settings, and amazingly photographed battle sequences, the film is truly stunning. Worth noting is Mieko Harada as Lady Kaede. An epic on the grandest of scales, "RAN" is not only one of Kurosawa's finest films, it is a glorious masterpiece of Japanese cinema. It is also the very best movie of the entire decade of the 1980s!Read full review
This is a magnificent movie. It is visually beautiful - the colors and the way the shots are framed are stunning. The visuals are controlled in ways that add to the poetic power of the story. I do not speak Japanese, but the sound of the language combined with the musical score also adds to the intensity of this movie. The subtitles are good, but I am sure that those who understand Japanese get even more from this story. This is not a film of Shakespeare's "King Lear". Rather, it is an adaptation and is based on the underlying themes of the play. It is not important for me to list the differences between the play and the movie, it is just important that a first time viewer not expect the Shakespearian story. If you know the play you will recognize aspects of the movie and enjoy the ways in which Kurosawa adapted the story to his own and Japanese sensibilities. It may nod to Shakespeare, but Kurosawa makes this his story. The costumes, music, and acting are superlative. For me, the trademark Kurosawa battle scenes are more wonderful here than usual. This is a masterpiece by a filmmaking virtuoso who is also a sensitive enough artist to make a spectacular movie that is also poetic, humorous and heart breaking, tender and brutal as well images that are beautiful and others that are hideous. This isn't light viewing or mind candy, but it has so much to offer that it is worth watching and learning from over and over again.Read full review
Fantastic plot (borrows from King Lear), though Kurosawa has made this his own. This work is second only to The Seven Samurai because that is a tough movie to top. If for no other reason, watch it for the magnificent cinematography! The acting is superb. I rate this among my top 10 all-time favorites. This is a great study in human nature with a film score that is absolutely sublime and complements the movie's scenes perfectly. The scene near the end at the first castle is absolutely stunning. I have seen this movie repeatedly and never get tired of watching it, even though it runs 160 minutes! It was, I believe, the first Kurosawa movie I watched and I have been a Kurosawa fan since. This film will not disappoint!
Verified purchase: No
excellent film - one of the best ever made
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Ran along with Ikiru are Kurosawa masterpieces. Watch them you will be mesmerized.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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