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I've been told this is a Japanese retelling of Shakespeare's "King Lear". Although I haven't personally read Shakespeare, this film is nontheless a gorgeously photograhed story of vanity, suspicion, and deceit, and the subsequent warfare and vengeance caused thereby. The portrayal of medieval Japan's Samauri mindset is astonishingly unsettling. Courtly politeness is required in conversation, as the faintest slights lead to insult and war. The web of insanity spins ever downward, ending in a stunning visual image portraying the hopelessness of the path poorly chosen. Although subtitled, the quick reader will find that the story moves smoothly and understandably. A tragic tale very well told -- one of Akira Kurasawa's best films.
The disc was dirty and scratched. However when I played it the scratches only caused one small glitch so I'll keep it. The movie (in Japanese with English subtitles) is a powerful and colorful version of Shakespeare's "King Leer". Leer's daughters are sons in this movie. I am a Kurosawa fan more than a Shakespeare fan. This movie is more like a play than many of his others. That did not bother me. It works.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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
This is a gripping and engaging tale of feudal Japan. It has great scenery and interesting and entertaining conflict.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Watching this is the easiest way to get why Kurosawa is a genius director! This movie is a real masterpiece.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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