Ran (1985) Review

Ran, a 1985 Japanese epic war drama film, directed by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, is a powerful retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear. The film is a masterful examination of themes like power, betrayal, loyalty, and family, which are the hallmarks of the Shakespearean tragedy that it is based on.

The film is set in feudal Japan and tells the story of Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai), a powerful warlord who decides to abdicate his throne and divide his kingdom among his three sons, Taro (Akira Terao), Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu). The eldest son, Taro, is given control of the First Castle, while the second son, Jiro, is given control of the Second Castle. The youngest son, Saburo, is disinherited after he objects to his father's decision and is banished from the kingdom.

As Hidetora's health deteriorates, his sons begin to betray each other and vie for control of the entire kingdom. The film portrays the violent struggle for power and the devastating consequences of greed, pride, and disloyalty.

The film's central themes are explored through the character of Hidetora, who serves as a symbol of the corrupting influence of power. Hidetora's decision to divide his kingdom among his sons is motivated by his desire to maintain his legacy and ensure that his family remains in power. However, his decision ultimately leads to the destruction of his family and his own downfall.

The film's exploration of power is not limited to Hidetora, but also extends to his sons. As they jockey for power, they become consumed by their own pride and ambition, and eventually descend into violence and betrayal. Taro, the eldest son, is the first to show his true colors as he becomes increasingly tyrannical and ruthless in his bid for power. Jiro, the second son, initially appears to be more compassionate than his elder brother, but eventually proves to be equally power-hungry and cruel. Saburo, the youngest son, is the only one who sees the folly of his father's decision and tries to prevent the inevitable bloodshed, but his pleas fall on deaf ears.

The film's portrayal of loyalty and honor is another central theme. The character of Tango (Akira Terao) serves as a foil to Hidetora's sons and represents the traditional values of loyalty and honor. Tango is a loyal retainer of Hidetora and remains loyal to his lord even as the kingdom falls into chaos. His unwavering loyalty and commitment to honor stand in contrast to the selfishness and greed of Hidetora's sons.

The film's stunning visuals are also a standout feature. The cinematography by Asakazu Nakai is breathtaking, with the use of natural light and panoramic shots capturing the sweeping landscapes and epic battles. The costume design and set design are also impressive, with intricate attention to detail that immerses the viewer in the feudal Japanese setting.

The film's final battle scene is one of the most memorable and visually impressive in cinema history. The battle is staged on a massive scale and features hundreds of extras, horses, and a complex choreography of fighting sequences. The battle is filmed with great attention to detail and is a testament to Kurosawa's skill as a director.

The film's use of color is also noteworthy. The film's title, "Ran," translates to "chaos" or "turmoil," and the film's use of color is symbolic of this. The color red, in particular, is used throughout the film to represent chaos and violence. The film's costumes and sets are rich in reds, from the blood-red armor worn by Hidetora's soldiers to the vivid red of the autumn leaves that fall during the film's climax. The use of red in the film is a powerful visual representation of the destruction and chaos that unfolds throughout the story.

In conclusion, Ran is a masterpiece of cinema and a triumph of storytelling. Kurosawa's direction is masterful, and the film's themes of power, betrayal, loyalty, and family are explored with depth and nuance. The film's stunning visuals and use of color make it a feast for the eyes, while its epic battles and sweeping landscapes transport the viewer to feudal Japan.