Ran (1985) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Japanese warlord Hidetori Ichimonji decides the time has come to retire and divide his fiefdom among his three sons. His eldest and middle sons - Taro and Jiro - agree with his decision and promise to support him for his remaining days. The youngest son Saburo disagrees with all of them arguing that there is little likelihood the three brothers will remain united. Insulted by his son's brashness, the warlord banishes Saburo. As the warlord begins his retirement, he quickly realizes that his two eldest sons selfish and have no intention of keeping their promises. It leads to war and only banished Saburo can possibly save him.

Critical Acclaim

The 1985 release of Ran marked a triumphant return for director Akira Kurosawa, who was praised for his ambitious adaptation of Shakespeare's *King Lear* set in feudal Japan. The film was immediately recognized as a masterpiece, with critics lauding its epic scale and Kurosawa's meticulous attention to visual detail. The battle scenes and the use of color were particularly noted, with many reviewers emphasizing the striking cinematography by Takao Saitô and Masaharu Ueda as pivotal to its storytelling.

Vincent Canby of The New York Times described Ran as a "majestic work," highlighting its "visually breathtaking" presentation. Roger Ebert awarded it four stars, remarking on the film's "astonishing beauty and depth." In contemporary assessments, Ran holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating its steadfast place in cinematic history. Modern critics continue to commend Kurosawa's ability to blend intense drama with grand spectacle, ensuring its relevance and admiration in the film community decades later.

The lasting impact of Ran is evident in its enduring influence on filmmakers and its frequent inclusion in lists of the greatest films ever made. It received several accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Director and a win for Best Costume Design, affirming its technical and artistic excellence. The film's powerful narrative and innovative visual style have solidified its legacy as a quintessential piece of world cinema and a pinnacle of Kurosawa's illustrious career.