Ran (The Criterion Collection)
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Movie Reviews of Ran (The Criterion Collection)
Movie Review: Criterion Edition is THE one to have
Summary: 5 Stars
Kurosawa's last undisputed masterpiece, "Ran" adapts "King Lear" (Shakespeare was one of Kurosawa's favorite writer) placing it during the 16th century in Japan. Like "Throne of Blood" (another Kurosawa classic that also adapts "Macbeth") "Ran" melds action with drama in a unique way that only Kurosawa was able to do. Sure there have been other directors that have made films about Japanese culture, Feudalism and the Samurai but none with the keen insight and profound glimpse into what makes a culture tick as well as Kurosawa.
Kurosawa had lost most of his collaborators prior to the shooting of "Ran". All of that informs the darkness and his identification for the main character. While Kurosawa freely borrowed from "King Lear", he also informed the film with many issues facing himself; he felt isolated from the Japanese filmmaking community and he was unappreciated in this late phase of his career having to scramble to get financing (frequently going overseas to get it). Kurosawa felt isolated and alone without his collaborators. The loss of his wife just prior to shooting meant that Kurosawa threw his raging emotions into "Ran" using the story of "Lear" as a means to examine his own personal situation.
A beautiful, rich transfer from Criterion. There's few digital artifacts and there's virtually none of the issues that dogged the "Masterworks" edition of this film. The image isn't cropped (the "Masterworks" edition had the edge of the frame cut off) and the high definition transfer looks marvelous with rich colors, remarkable clarity and depth to the image. There is noticeable grain but that's part of the original theatrical presentation of the film and not a surprise given that the film is 20 years old. The Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack has no noticeable distortion with nice depth and clarity for both the dialogue and the music.
Chris Marker's marvelous documentary "AK" is included as part of the package on the second disc. That by itself would also make this worth repurchasing if you're in doubt about it. However, coupled with the terrific restoration and transfer done by Criterion here it makes this an essential purchase for fans of Kurosawa's films. We also get an appreciation by director Sidney Lumet, an episode of Toho Masterworks on Kurosawa that's also quite good (although I prefer Marker's 74 minute documentary). "It is Wonderful to Create" focuses exclusively on "Ran" while Marker's documentary is a better overview of the director. Criterion has also used Kurosawa's original sketches and paintings to create sections of "Ran" as Kurosawa original saw it prior to actual production. Finally there's a new interview with lead actor Tasuya Kakadai. As usual Criterion has included an excellent booklet that includes a very good essay by film critic Michael Wilmington, a 1985 interview with Kurosawa about the making of the movie and a new interview with "Ran" composer Toru Takemitsu. This deluxe 2 disc edition makes the nonanamorphic previous edition look almost like a videotape by comparison in terms of the overall quality.
Stephen Prince provides interesting background about Japanese culture and Kurosawa's film style. Prince's commentary is a bit dry coming across as a lecture that one might sit through at UCLA or USC and isn't all that entertaining but it is quite informative. Personally, I would have preferred an interactive commentary with Prince discussing the film with, say, Lumet, Francis Ford Coppola or another well known film director.
This is an essential purchase for fans of Kurosawa. Kurosawa's last epic is, perhaps, his darkest and one of his most accomplished. The extras would make this worth purchasing by themselves but the beautiful, rich high definition transfer makes this the best version of "Ran" that has ever appeared on home video. I highly recommend this film.
Movie Review: Ran
Summary: 5 Stars
I was just browsing around Amazon and saw that this version of Ran had finally been discontinued. I was thinking about writing something after seeing Lionsgate was publishing the Blu Ray after the problems last year. In all my DVD ownership I've owned every version of Ran from the non-anamorphic Fox Lorber, to the botched Masterworks, and Criterions usual superlative double disc edition. The Blu has a good list of features but nothing as packed as the Criterion DVD.
The film itself is one I'd consider my favorite film of all time. I saw it fifteen years ago aand could get behind the epic nature of the warfare and violence. Every time since then its one of those films that reveals a different thing that I'm amazed about. If you somehow have never heard of Ran, know the main thing is the movie is an adaptation of King Lear as a feudal samurai drama. Hidetora has decided to live out his life under the care of his sons, one of whom He makes warlord. Upon the news one son insults him telling him the honest truth and is banished for his efforts. To make it simple the wife of one son is part of a family who was conquered by Hidetora and sets out to turn the family against each other. Hidetora seeking to maintain some type honor retreats to a castle where the remaining sons attack his entourage and He goes insane being rescued in a field by a loyal vassal and the Japanese version of a jester in Kyoami and theres more.
Outside of the story everything in the movie is perfect to me from Kurosawas staging that reminded me at times of a more play-like presentation (especially in the famous castle burning scene where a mad Hidetora marches out on castle steps with two types of warriors parting, something in the scene reminded me old Met operas that were broadcast on Public television). Kurosawa also scored big in the casting with Mieko Harada being the main choice as Lady Kaede who uses her sexuality to gain the upperhand against men. My favorite character though is Kurogane played by Hisashi Igawa who starred in the remaining Kurosawa films. Here Kurogane is the type of character Toshiro Mifue would have played- not to take anything away from Igawa. The character is a loyal soldier, second in command who finds himself at odds with Lady Kaede. He supports Lord Jiro in his betrayl of Hidetora but as Jiro pulls away from his leadership He finds himself sabbotaging Kaede's efforts. Basically He's struggling to be honorable to his leader, and He does get the best scene in the movie. When you see it you'll know what I'm talking about.
Like I said the Criterion so far has been the best version of the film. The image was greatly improved over the Masterworks edition which also had a problem with the audio. But the features were stacked with an inciteful commentary from Stephen Prince, a video interview with Sidney Lumet and all of the trailers for the film on the first disc. The second has the bounty of the disc starting with A.K. a documentary on the making of the film (its on the Blu). Theres also the usual It is Wonderful to Create program that comes with almost all of the Kurosawa films, this one focusing on the making of the film, a piece Ran through artwork done by Kurosawa and a video interview with Tatsuya Nakadai. And as usual theres the Criterion inclusion of an extensive booklet.
Anyway this is the definitive version of a true film masterpiece. And I love the film so much its inclusion to Blu-Ray is enough to make me finally upgrade to the format (fourth time for the movie) even if Criterion made the more superior product.
Movie Review: Bridled chaos...
Summary: 5 Stars
A lot of my friends rave this film as one of the best films of all time. I'm not in that boat quite yet, but I must say that this ambitious retelling of Shakespeare's `King Lear' is not just an impressive undertaking but it is also one of the more engrossing and rapturous `variations' of this story I've ever seen. With great attention to detail and directorial flourishes that will keep the audience on edge, `Ran' is certain to leave a lasting impression.
I'll be honest; I thought the opening segment went on for far too long. In fact, I was becoming a tad restless waiting for the film to actually begin, but after all is said and done I'm actually glad they elaborated on that hillside opening, for it established character needed to truly flesh out the films many layers.
The film tells the story of an aging Japanese Lord, Hidetora, who, nearing death, decides to leave his entire kingdom to his eldest son, Taro. What seems like a good idea to him (and him alone) turns out to be yet another hasty and foolish decision on his part; a decision that costs him dearly. His daughter-in-law, bent on vengeance over the harsh way her family was treated, uses her husband's newfound power to wreak havoc on the kingdom, and the jealousy that overtakes the Lord's middle son, Jiro, proves to be disastrous. But there is always the youngest son, Saburo, whom the Lord banishes in the films outset due to his apparent disrespect. With all the chaos surrounding Hidetora, chaos with which he had a direct responsibility towards, he begins to reflect on his own decisions and how they have placed him in the predicament with which he finds himself.
Is there a road to redemption?
What I found so fascinating about this film was the way in which it tackled so many weighty themes without ever feeling rushed or compact. That may be due to the WISE decision to stretch this out nearly three-hours in length. All three sons represent a completely different side of their father, and watching their respective stories unravel helps up understand fully the man behind it all, and the man who seems to be suffering the most. In the final scenes, where Hidetora seems to understand where he went wrong and comes to his decision as to what he wants to do with the remainder of his life; it's heartbreaking.
The performances are very strong here, especially from Tatsuya Nakadai, who really understands how to relate Hidetora's conflicted emotional state. You can see the anger the brims from his confusion and the eventual stagnant complacency that comes from the understanding of complete failure. Of the sons, I was most impressed with Jinpachi Nezu (who plays Jiro) and I also found Masayuki Yui's portrayal of the loyal Tango to be commendable and noteworthy.
In the end though, the real star here is Akira Kurosawa. He has shelled out quite a few masterpieces, and while I don't consider this his finest work (I go between `Red Beard' and `Ikiru') this is certainly one of his most respectable when you consider all the time, effort, a meticulous attention needed to make this work. Not only is ever set piece authentic and eye catching (not to mention every costume) but every character is beautifully fleshed out and ever sequence is marvelously edited to create a cohesive and visually stunning work of art. The battle scenes are flawless, and the tower burning scene is one of the most impressive sequences in the history of cinema; hands down.
I recommend `Ran' without any hesitation.
Movie Review: A Masterwork By A Master Artist
Summary: 5 Stars
Born in 1910 Japan, Akira Kurosawa first studied painting before moving into film in the late 1930s. A well-known director in Japan throughout the 1940s, his 1950 production of RASHOMON launched him to international acclaim--and throughout the remainder of his long career he was widely acknowledged as among the world's greatest film directors, the creator of such films as THE SEVEN SAMURAI, THRONE OF BLOOD, and YOJIMBO. Released in 1985, RAN would be among his final films and is generally felt to be among his finest.
Kurosawa often borrowed plot lines from Western literature, and with RAN--the Japanese word translates loosely as chaos--he lifted the basic story from William Shakespeare's KING LEAR. In Kurosawa's retelling, the Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) divides his kingdom between three sons: Taro (Akira Terao), Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu) and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu). When youngest son Saburo upbraids his father for foolishness, Hidetora banishes him--only to find Taro and Jiro turning against him just as Saburo predicted. Kurosawa shapes the Shakespearean story to 16th Century Japan, so it would be easy to belabor comparison with the original; at the same time, however, it is worth pointing out that he actually captures the story more effectively than any western filmmaker has to date.
As in many Kurosawa films, RAN alternates moments of great stillness with rapacious action, enclosed spaces with wide vistas. In stillness, the film focuses upon its actors and their intrigues--perhaps most notably the perfidious Lady Kaede, a truly dark character frighteningly realized by actress Mieko Harada. Indeed, all the cast is remarkably fine. But the great centerpiece, and the great performance, of the film is Tatsuya Nakadai's Lord Hidetora, whose mixture of good intention and folly leads first to humiliation and then to madness. Perhaps the single most stunning moment of the film occurs when Hidetora, betrayed by his sons, walks down the tower steps of the third castle following a vicious battle. It is difficult to imagine many actors who could perform such a scene; it is equally difficult to imagine many directors who could stage it.
Few directors are able to convey the sense of chaos, destruction, and fear with which Kurosawa endows battle scenes, and RAN is no exception. There are several, and the battle of the third castle (in which Hidetora is bested by sons Taro and Jiro) is easily among the finest battle sequences of Kurosawa's career. Presented without any sound except a simple, eloquent music score, flash-cutting between different groups in the struggle, the result is a unique mixture of beauty and horror--and in my opinion unequaled by any other film I've seen.
It should be noted that RAN, unlike RASHOMON, THRONE OF BLOOD, YOJIMBO and many other Kurosawa films, is in color. I have long been used to the remarkable shading of Kurosawa's black and white films, and I missed it--but only for a moment. Kurosawa proves no less adept in color than in black and white, and RAN's use of color is remarkable. For this reason I particularly recommend the Criterion Collection edition of the film over any other; it is very fine. But regardless of the particular version, this is a film which must be seen by any one who appreciates Asian or world cinema, truly a masterwork by a great master.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Movie Review: At long last, the masters of the 'special edition' rescue a mistreated classic
Summary: 5 Stars
It is no exaggeration to say that many fans of Kurosawa and his late-life masterpiece, RAN, have suffered through the indignity of two very sub-par DVD releases of this great film, at least in North America. Basically, almost since the advent of DVD, people who revered this movie and this director waited in frustration for a decent distributor to take charge of the project and do it justice.
Third time's the charm as the old saw goes. Criterion has answered our wishes in 2005--and how.
Not only have they given RAN a transfer so good that it may actually look and sound better than it did 20 years ago in cinemas when it was a new film--they have also put on virtually every supplement fans could wish for.
Chiefly, Chris Marker's A.K.: a unique film, by a unique filmmaker, dedicated to a unique filmmaker. No ordinary 'behind-the-scenes,' he creates an insightful but restrained tone poem about what a Kurosawa set feels like. This film was exceedingly difficult to see in the U.S. for a long time and is an excellent companion piece to the feature.
Elsewhere on disc 2, Tatsuya Nakadai gives an interview, with great vitality, about working for the master and the immense challenge of the role of Hidetora.
Included is a Japanese TV documentary that provides a different, more straightforward but no less interesting look at RAN's production.
A gorgeous montage of Kurosawa's original art, from his long gestation period before RAN was finally green-lit for production, shows what a visionary and artist he was even when cameras weren't rolling.
Stephen Prince's commentary track on the film itself is fun and insightful.
Sidney Lumet's admiring comments and the creaky old trailers on disc 1 are non-essential but nice to have all the same.
The thick booklet is an interesting read, par for the course with some Criterion editions. It includes an essay plus two interviews, one with Kurosawa and one with the excellent composer Toru Takemitsu.
But the main attraction is, naturally, the great film which is RAN...Kurosawa's dramatic meditation on the problems of violence, vanity, greed and hatred in the human soul, expressed through an adapted scenario of Shakespeare's King Lear. It is a film to experience and re-experience for the richness of the drama, the grand, painterly and epic style which is near-perfect, and the universality of its themes.
And now, viewers can do so at home, in the best possible way. If you have hesitated to get a DVD of this classic, don't wait a moment longer. If you bought it before, sell it or throw it in the trash bin and be assured that your money is going toward the definitive edition which now does this masterpiece the justice it deserves.
Bravo, Criterion!