An excellent adaptation of King Lear with its own character.

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2006)

As arrows and bullets sail through the air, the white clouds in the sky give way to an approaching storm of despair. The mistakes of a father have come to torment him, and while it is arguable rather or not he should be considered a hero, it is unquestionable that his life has become a tragedy worthy of our pity.
Akira Kurosawa's Ran is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's King Lear. It is the story of Lord Hidetora Ichimonji, who has decided in his elder years, to relinquish leadership of his clan to one of his three sons. As King Lear did before him, he judges his sons too quickly, and makes the first wrong decision amongst many, each costing him more dearly than the last.
Hidetora is a memorable character, not only on account of his torment, but also through his portrayal by actor Tatsuya Nakadai. The movie has subtitles, but they are unneeded in understanding the emotions of the character, as they are displayed with such strength they shatter the language barrier. When Hidetora feels something, it is often difficult to find yourself not feeling the same.
In fact, it would be difficult to look down upon the performances of any of the actors in the movie. Every character, from the three sons to the various servants, is shown in such a manner that you learn to love or hate them. If a character is shown on the screen for even a few minutes, it is unlikely you will be left with a neutral opinion of them.
It is simple to see the planning placed into this film, as every element is handled exceptionally well. The costumes and musical score are elaborate and fit well into the frame of this epic movie. The humor is limited, as it should be, and is incorporated at the right times, serving to make the movie all the more enjoyable. Akira Kurosawa's artistic direction makes even the clouds an important element of the film. They not only serve to show the passage of time, but also reflect the mood of the scenes.
This movie might not be for everyone. It does show some age, not every scene is packed with action or comedy, and it does require the reading of subtitles. Nonetheless, if you are a fan of Japanese cinema, or even if you are not, you owe it to yourself to give this movie a chance.
Highly recommended. A solid ten out of ten.