An interesting take on Shakespeare.

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2008)

Director Akira Kurosawa does an interesting take on William Shakespeare's "King Lear", shifting the setting into feudal era Japan. The story follows war lord Hidetora who attempts to divide his land up between his three sons Saburo, Taro and Jiro while slowly slipping into insanity. However, Taro's wife attempts to destroy the family in order to take control, resulting in the peaceful countryside descending into bloody chaos. Ran then reveals it's party piece- a visually stunning yet haunting battles between two of the brothers, while Hidetora sinks even further into madness. Through a blend of tragedy, action and suspense, Kurosawa has created a masterpiece which is deservedly a classic epic. Ran will appeal to those fond of the works by Shakespeare or film fanatics in general. Suspense and action make this film an absolute must-see.