Cert 12A
156 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate bloody violence
What ever happened to the epic? You know, the likes of Spartacus, Ben Hur, and... Ran.
Nowadays, a big movie experience seems to be defined by the quality of special effects rather than set pieces involving hundreds of extras.
I was delighted, therefore, that Akira Kurosawa's huge-scale Ran, first released in 1985, was returned to cinemas with a 4k restoration.
This was the first time I had seen it and I was utterly gripped.
Ran is apparently based on Shakespeare's King Lear (which I have never read or seen) and focuses on the fall-out of the abdication of a despot emperor (Tatsuya Nakadai).
His decision to pass the crown on to his first born (Akira Terao) sparks a bloody conflict between him and his two siblings (Jinpachi Nezu and Daisuke Ryû).
It is also a pronouncement which their father immediately regrets as it becomes clear it was made in the fog of early-stage dementia.
Ran combines political intrigue with vast and bloody battle scenes. At the time, it was the most expensive movie ever made in Japan and it is clear where the money was spent.
Its acting is high quality - Nakadai is brilliant as a once ruthless leader who has not only lost the grip of his kingdom but also his faculties.
Mieko Harada is wonderfully manipulative as his daughter-in-law whose past inspires treachery.
But most of all, Ran looks great. The colour from its intricate costumes catch the eye and the beautiful Japanese landscape plays a significant part.
As said, I had not seen Ran before. I was mighty pleased that I have rectified that wrong.
Reasons to watch: old-fashioned epic movie
Reasons to avoid: its acting is a little over-the-top
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Star tweet
Jamie Graham Be sure to put aside 5hrs of your w/e for Victoria & 4K restoration of Kurosawa's Ran. Both magnificent, both need to be seen on big screen
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