The trailer explains it all: http://videodetective.com/TitleDetails.aspx?publishedid=00001982
We will be seeing The Hidden Fortress on the big screen in Portsmouth NH at the end of the month. Meanwhile bless those 40% off Borders coupons. Criterion makes two editions of this movie. The costlier one has no worthwhile extras or a commentary. The cheaper one has only the movie and is all I needed, found, and purchased. Lately Borders has not been restocking DVDS and CDs so it's been slim pickings. Rumor has it that Borders will be closing so we'll wait & see... How the store had this one in stock surprised me. I still want to see the film on the big screen with an appreciative audience but I watched the DVD last night. Too much temptation...
The trailer's meager details and fuzzy quality gives you a hint of the plot but don't judge the movie by it. The DVD's visual and aural quality is as superb as you expect from Criterion. I've written about Akira Kurosawa's films here and this medieval epic was a big hit in 1958. George Lucas freely cites this film as the inspiration for Star Wars. Toshiro Mifune, Japan's most famous action star (and a damn good actor too) and Kurosawa's most frequent collaborator, leads an exiled princess and two squabbling peasants (comic relief) to reclaim her throne and fortune from a warring clan. You can easily figure out who is who in both films. My wife thought the music inspired John Williams score for Lucas' film. Forgetting all that, you will enjoy The Hidden Fortress on its own terms.
There's plenty of action and scenery presented in stunning widescreen black & white photography. Too bad it wasn't filmed in color but that's a minor quibble. Over two hours long with episodic escapes, you'll wish it was longer. Kurosawa was a visual master who pulls you into the story where you feel like you're standing aside the characters... I'm sure it will be more impressive on the big screen.
The trailer's meager details and fuzzy quality gives you a hint of the plot but don't judge the movie by it. The DVD's visual and aural quality is as superb as you expect from Criterion. I've written about Akira Kurosawa's films here and this medieval epic was a big hit in 1958. George Lucas freely cites this film as the inspiration for Star Wars. Toshiro Mifune, Japan's most famous action star (and a damn good actor too) and Kurosawa's most frequent collaborator, leads an exiled princess and two squabbling peasants (comic relief) to reclaim her throne and fortune from a warring clan. You can easily figure out who is who in both films. My wife thought the music inspired John Williams score for Lucas' film. Forgetting all that, you will enjoy The Hidden Fortress on its own terms.
There's plenty of action and scenery presented in stunning widescreen black & white photography. Too bad it wasn't filmed in color but that's a minor quibble. Over two hours long with episodic escapes, you'll wish it was longer. Kurosawa was a visual master who pulls you into the story where you feel like you're standing aside the characters... I'm sure it will be more impressive on the big screen.
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