Ran (Akira Kurosawa, 1985): France / Japan
Reviewed by Kathleen Amboy. Viewed on DVD.
Where does one begin when describing a beautiful work of art? Late in his career and near retirement, Akira Kurosawa co-wrote and directed his feudal epic Ran. It is a film that is visually stunning and dramatic, and indeed a beautiful work of art.
Ran (meaning chaos) unintentionally follows the story of Shakespeare’s King Lear. As with Lear, Hidetora abdicates his kingdom to his three sons (not daughters), while still retaining ultimate authority. The eldest two (Taro and Jiro) are compliant towards their father’s decision and immediately begin to control their own territories. The youngest son (Saburo) is convinced his father is making a drastic mistake and tries to dissuade him. Despite his honorable efforts, Saburo is banished from the kingdom, while his worst fears are realized: his two older brothers have stripped their father of all his dignity.
What is fascinating about this film, is that despite its epic sized proportion, it is exceedingly stagey and intimate. Nearly every frame gives one the sensation of viewing a finely crafted stage production from beginning to end. Kurosawa’s instinct for balance means the music (or lack thereof), location and cinematography, as well as the action and direction are all crucial in his storytelling–not to mention the use of color in order to discern the fallen as well as the victorious. One battle scene will leave you in a trance, as the speed is slowed down to the faint strains of non-digetic music.
Emotions and conflicts abound within the plot, as we realize jealousy and betrayal, lust and greed, as well as loyalty, are human traits that always will remain with us regardless of the time in which we live.
Kurosawa secured financing for his masterpiece with the help of Serge Silberman of France.
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