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Ran (1985) - 9
Once again Akira Kurosawa adapts a Shakespeare tragedy, King Lear, to the Sengoku period of Japan. Just like Throne of Blood, Ran easily engulfs me in a magical world of great enchantment and beauty. But this is a chaotic and cruel world for everyone who lives it. A world made of suffering where gods won't save men from themselves, and where the thirst for power is the mirror of the natural struggle for survival. Ethics and morality are subdued by the samurai conduct and interests of the powerful.
To watch Ran is like watching an epic and blazing Noh (form of Japanese classical theater) performance that reveals the true nature of human existence. Film of great symbolic significance with countless memorable scenes. Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Toru Takemitsu whose work I highly appreciate. Top-notch cinematography, camera work and acting; all in perfect harmony to create a deeply melancholic, beautiful and exciting universe. Tecnically superb work.
Ran is not without its shortcomings though. I may speak for a minority, but this would be a virtually perfect film if not for Kurosawa's obsession with redundant battle scenes--especially in the last half hour or so. Some distracting moments ought to be chopped out to keep up consistent standards throughout the film; enough is enough. And hard for me to believe that no life was lost during those crazy shoots. Fortunately, these distractions are relatively minor here, and they don't prevent Ran from becoming one of my favorite movies ever. The heartbreaking final scene also enters into my favorite list; perfect expression of how helpless we are in this world. Masterpiece from Kurosawa, highly recommended!
Once again Akira Kurosawa adapts a Shakespeare tragedy, King Lear, to the Sengoku period of Japan. Just like Throne of Blood, Ran easily engulfs me in a magical world of great enchantment and beauty. But this is a chaotic and cruel world for everyone who lives it. A world made of suffering where gods won't save men from themselves, and where the thirst for power is the mirror of the natural struggle for survival. Ethics and morality are subdued by the samurai conduct and interests of the powerful.
To watch Ran is like watching an epic and blazing Noh (form of Japanese classical theater) performance that reveals the true nature of human existence. Film of great symbolic significance with countless memorable scenes. Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Toru Takemitsu whose work I highly appreciate. Top-notch cinematography, camera work and acting; all in perfect harmony to create a deeply melancholic, beautiful and exciting universe. Tecnically superb work.
Ran is not without its shortcomings though. I may speak for a minority, but this would be a virtually perfect film if not for Kurosawa's obsession with redundant battle scenes--especially in the last half hour or so. Some distracting moments ought to be chopped out to keep up consistent standards throughout the film; enough is enough. And hard for me to believe that no life was lost during those crazy shoots. Fortunately, these distractions are relatively minor here, and they don't prevent Ran from becoming one of my favorite movies ever. The heartbreaking final scene also enters into my favorite list; perfect expression of how helpless we are in this world. Masterpiece from Kurosawa, highly recommended!