directed by: Akira Kurosawa, year: 1985
actors: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Mieko Harada, Jinpachi Nezu

Ran is Akira Kurosawa's operatic tragedy set in feudal Japan, inspired by Shakespeare's King Lear. Through stark landscapes, intense color, and sweeping battle scenes, the film follows the ageing lord Hidetora Ichimonji as he disperses his realm to his sons, triggering greed, treachery and catastrophic downfall. The director's bold framing, rain-soaked imagery, and brutal, ritual combat explore power, pride, family bonds, and the ravages of time on both rulers and kingdoms.

Edo Period, Drama, Epic, Historical Drama, Samurai, Tragedy