Ran

The film "Ran" is beautifully shot, with great action scenes, excellent performances that are sometimes captivating, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that the film was inaccessible, that it couldn't draw me in. It is a powerful theatrical tragedy captured on film, utilizing the possibilities of film compared to theater and preserving the synergy of both mediums, but I still didn't leave the screening completely enthralled. (12/31/2015)

The combination of a Shakespeare work (this time “King Lear") with the Kurosawa slant worked out well again - although the older Throne of Blood is much better in my opinion. The biggest problem in this picture is the camerawork. Some scenes are visually fantastic, thought out to the final detail and with an almost incredible composition. However, these scenes are immediately followed by a scene that is the precise opposite of the above. I don’t know if it’s just the impression I got or if it was the intention, but this keeps on constantly wrecking the atmosphere of an otherwise excellent picture. Also, some of the supporting roles are not acted particularly convincingly, although the main characters without exception are played more than decently. The only thing this is missing to make it perfect is Toshiro Mifune. (01/11/2007)

Historical frescos about a king whose sons rip apart their heritage – the Empire in pieces. The unbalanced story is full of abrupt twists, but it also suffers from the opening long-winded exposition, which takes ages until the chess pieces are put where Kurasawa wants them to be. The final battle with completely incredible production design (there was no CGI in 1985, so they really burned those houses down, and crowd simulation wasn’t an option back then) and the impossible number of details added to create a believable world are breathtaking. Amazing costumes, landscapes and interiors. Unfortunately the makeup isn’t so good and the people look like they’re dead. If it weren’t for the excessive length, this would be an excellent film. Perish! (10/13/2018)

A visually lavish film, with perfect costumes and breathtaking fight scenes, but I found the content shallow and bland and also emotionally dry. (10/19/2004)