Colors of emotion

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2007)

Kurosawa uses color to define his characters; Taro Ichimonji (yellow) can be thought of as the cowardly son of Lord Hidetora. When Hidetora's personal guard begin to sing songs that make fun of Taro, Taro is quick to expel his father and his men lest Taro seem weak as the new king. Jiro (red) is the scheming son, always looking for a way to gain power and an excuse for bloodshed. Saburo (blue) is the sincere son, caring deeply for his father and the only son of his that is pure. And then there is the Great Lord himself, Lord Hidetora (white). When all colors are combined, white is produced. Hidetora is the combination of his sons. He was ruthless like Jiro, burning peoples homes and slaughtering those who stood before him. He was cowardly like Taro, afraid to lose face in front of the other warlords, so much as to banish his son Saburo for speaking up against him while two other warlords were present. And he becomes sincere like Saburo, asking the son he banished for his forgiveness and love.
If you enjoy samurai films (and I know you all do) the Kurosawa's "Ran" is a must see.