This film is the true definition of an epic, and made very late in Kurosawa’s career. Of course heavily influenced by Shakespeare’s King Lear, but with a completely Japanese twist and tone. And unlike his earlier works you can’t even feel sorry for Hidetora who has caused the downfall of his own empire by handing the reins to his sons, and the scheming wife of his elder son. This film is gorgeous, with epic battle scenes the likes of which will never be seen again (at least without computer generated armies) and is the depiction of the downfall of a nation through the cruelty and violence and backstabbing brothers who it is left to. It goes without saying that this is a must see, and the new Criterion disc is excellent with multiple documentaries, interviews and an incredible booklet.

REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS…

Nakadai Tatsuya plays the aged leader of RAN Hidetora, who after a hunt with his 3 sons and the leaders of the 2 adjoining lands, falls asleep and has a vivid dream of being lost in a wasteland totally alone, foreshadowing his own future. He decides then and their to hand the reins of the country over to his eldest son Taro (Terao Akira) leaving the second castle to Jiro (Nexu Jinpachi) and his 3rd castle to his 3rd son Saburo (Ryu Daisuke), but Saburo balks saying that Hidetora has created this empire with bloodshed, and the ties of blood will not keep the brothers from attacking each other. For his honesty Saburo is banished, and the chief advisor

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