Hidden Fortress Details

A Hidden Gem

Probably most famous for inspiring chunks of "Star Wars", Kurosawa's action-adventure about two greedy peasants and their quest to accompany an endangered princess' retinue across enemy lines is one of his most accessible films. Full of the panorama and exuberant characters of John Ford's Westerns, "The Hidden Fortress" nonetheless keeps the strong Japanese issue of social hierarchy at the centre.

This is mainly due to the character of the Princess, a beautiful, feisty woman who is forced to abandon her royal nature (and, symbolically, her voice) in order to - somewhat paradoxically - preserve her dynasty. Her presence on-screen almost rivals Toshiro Mifune's for dynamism and vitality, perfectly jarring with the grubby misfits who are as eager to get their hands on her gold as they are to see her to safety.

Kurosawa's master-stroke is to give priority to the two farmers' points of view. We identify most with these characters, who learn the hard way to conquer the opportunism that poverty and necessity sometimes require, and because of this "The Hidden Fortress" is a film that can be appreciated by virtually any audience. Great fun.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Better than Star Wars.

Mr.Lucas,you made a magnificent film trilogy(well the first lot anyway), but it's now about time to get on your knees.

The battle against Vader's forces may be compelling, but i'd rather watch the original.