Ran

I am very glad this has finally left my watchlist.  Ran is a stunning film about power, pride, and the chaos people create for themselves. Kurosawa uses colour in an incredible way, especially the bold reds, yellows, and blues of the Ichimonji armies. The colours make every scene easy to read while also showing how divided the family becomes. The cinematography is beautiful throughout. The wide landscapes, castles, and empty fields make the world feel huge and uncaring. Kurosawa’s world-building is so strong that the setting itself feels important, like it’s watching everything fall apart. The war scenes are brutal and unforgettable. Kurosawa removes any sense of glory from them, showing violence as slow, cruel, and unavoidable. The use of blood is shocking but never pointless — it constantly reminds you of the cost of Ichimonji’s decisions. Ichimonji’s biggest mistake is believing he can split his power and still stay in control. His pride, poor judgment, and refusal to listen lead to the destruction of his family. Ran is both beautiful and devastating, and one of Kurosawa’s most powerful films. Definitely watch Ran, it is probably my new favourite War film I’ve seen, it’s meticulously put together as Kurosawa spent 10+ years planning and designing the script and the battle sequences. Thank you Kurosawa, Coppola and Lucas. What a spectacle.  10/10