Ran

Rating:
Summary: Mighty Kurosawa
Review: One word: Masterpiece. Luckily, I was one of the few who witnessed this film on the big screen. Though video can never replace the impact of the screen, this wide screen release does justice to Akira Kurosawa's colorful canvas. Truly one of the great films.

Rating:
Summary: artistic film
Review: This is a visually stunning masterpiece, but that's not all. It is also packed with colorful characters, intricate plot, and the vintage Akira Kurasawa.

Rating:
Summary: Fuedal Japan meets Top Director
Review: I highly recommend watching this incredible motion picture,however be prepared for poor translation to DVD. There is no digital compensation an soundtrack emulation is miminal. No effort was taken to enchance or even capture faithfully the original masterpiece. Kurosawa would never have agreed to this graphic travesty. That being said,the production is bested by none, though "Kagemusha" comes very close. If you can tolerate the graphics,it is still a must,unless there is hope of a superior video translation.

Rating:
Summary: An aging Japanese lord is betrayed by his sons.
Review: This is the classic story of an aging Japanese lord who, with confidence, divides his land amongst his three sons. As predicted by the youngest (and least favorite) son, things go awry and the sons, beset by greed and confusion, declare war on each other. The father, with nobody to turn to, is saved by the most unlikely of people. This is a masterpeice of cinema, and is both visually and emotionally stimulating. I saw this movie as a child, and it was a great pleasure to finally capture it on DVD!

Rating:
Summary: beautiful cinematography
Review: i must say that this is perhaps one of the most beautiful motion pictures ever. not only is it well-crafted visually, it is also packed with thematic elements that are universal. the work that went into this motion picture was very long and detailed and anyone who's seen it will tell you that it was worth it. not only is this one of kurosawa's best films it is perhaps one of THE best films and it's rerelease will perhaps allow a whole new generation of movie lovers to immerse themselves in the beautiful artwork of Mr. Kurosawa. i highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: King Lear in Kimonos
Review: A gripping film that starts out slow but builds in intesity. Fairly faithful to the Bards' play. A little over the top in the final sene but it still packs an emotional wallop. The battle scenes are not for the squeemish nor are the dipictions of ritual suicide for the fastidoius. Bucket of blood prevail. The cinematography alone makes this film a must see.

Rating:
Summary: One of greatest movies ever made.
Review: What can I say that hasn't been said. Kurosawa's great retelling of King Lear is his ultimate film. And at the age of 75 even a greater accomplishment. But DVD copy is somewhat a disappointment. No chapter breaks. Subtitles appear washed out. However, sound and colour are excellant.

Rating:
Summary: Akira Kurosawa's finest hour!!!
Review: Director Akira Kurosawa has fashioned a brilliant version of Shakespeare's "King Lear" entitled "Ran". The story is simple. In the 16th century Japan aged Lord Hidetora (played by Tatsuya Nadakai, in a tour-de-force performance) divides his kingdom among his three sons, Taro, (played by Akira Terao) Jiro, (played by Jinpachi Nezu) and Saburo. (played by Diasuke Ryu) Soon greed and rivalry take hold driving Hidetora insane and destoying his empire and his family in the process. Terrific battle scenes highlight the tragic nature of the film. Watch for scene stealer Mieko Harada as the vengeful Lady Kaede who gets her just desserts in very violent fashion. Watch for Peter as the entertaining Kyoami. Excellent score by Toru Takemitsu. Superb cinematography by Takao Saito and Masuhara Ueda. Costumes by Emi Wada took 3 years to make and won a deserved Oscar. Kurosawa's finest, most glorious movie!!! A must see!!!

Rating:
Summary: Epic film depicting a Japanese version of King Lear
Review: Akira Kurasawa reaches epic proportions in this rich cinematic tribute to Shakespeare's "King Lear". The visual scope of his directing abilities become evident with breadthtaking landscapes, and large populated scenes. But the mark of a master is to keep the viewer intimately involved beyond the wide expansive scenes, drawing you into the intrigue between the primary characters. It is hard to improve upon Shakespeare, but Kurasawa's directing has done it. A must see!

Rating:
Summary: very good
Review: Excellent movie, not for the weak stomache