Ran

From My New Physical Media Collection (I happily own the collector’s version.) I want to be the grass in this movie. But I’m just the Hidetora having dramatic shock spasms, losing it and running away from his bad decisions instead. Ran is really a masterpiece. The story building and cinematography are definitely the most eye catching factors. The use of color is unmatched. Shakespeare’s King Lear, eventually the main source of material, was made use of in the best possible way as a feudal Japan succession story. All the efforts of both cast and crew are obvious and Akira Kurosawa is an admirable director. As in many multi-headed succession stories, this one also doesn’t end with the intended peace and prosperity. There are hypocrisy, cowardice, greed, ambition and betrayal. On the other hand there are foresight, bluntness, loyalty, missteps and defeat. And ultimately there are anger, vengefulness, manipulation, cunning, revenge and achievement. The predecessor’s past full of wrongdoings follows him until he sees the demise of all his accomplishments. His mistakes drove him mad until he can’t look the innocents from his past in the eye. PS: My only complaint about the production could be the old makeup and paint-like blood, but I consider these as theatrical elements and just appreciate the work. (I happily have the collecter’s version.) I want to be the grass in this movie. But I’m just the Hidetora having dramatic shock spasms, losing it and running from his bad decisions instead. Ran is really a masterpiece. The story building and cinematography are definitely the most eye catching factors. The use of color is unmatched. Shakespeare’s King Lear, eventually the main source of material, was made use of in the best possible way as a feudal Japan succession story. All the efforts of both cast and crew are obvious and Akira Kurosawa is an admirable director. As in many multi-headed succession stories, this one also doesn’t end with the intended peace and prosperity. There are hypocrisy, cowardice, greed, ambition and betrayal. On the other hand there are foresight, bluntness, loyalty, missteps and defeat. And ultimately there are anger, vengefulness, manipulation, cunning, revenge and achievement. The predecessor’s past full of wrongdoings follows him until he sees the demise of all his accomplishments. His mistakes drove him mad until he can’t look the innocents from his past in the eye. PS: My only complaint about the production could be the old makeup and paint-like blood, but I consider these as theatrical elements and just appreciate the work.