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Throne Of Blood
1957
Akira Kurosawa's stunning reconception of Shakespeare's MACBETH is a dark samurai drama, full of powerful and haunting images. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows the path of an ambitious warlord (Toshiro Mifune) who fulfills a prophecy stating that he will become emperor. However, he achieves his goal by murder, setting off .. Read more
| Starring | Toshiro Mifune, Isuzu Yamada, Minoru Chiaki, Takashi Shimura |
|---|---|
| Director | Akira Kurosawa |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Thriller, World Cinema |
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Throne Of Blood
Akira Kurosawa's stunning reconception of Shakespeare's MACBETH is a dark samurai drama, full of powerful and haunting images. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows the path of an ambitious warlord (Toshiro Mifune) who fulfills a prophecy stating that he will become emperor. However, he achieves his goal by murder, setting off a chain of violence and retribution.
| Starring | Toshiro Mifune, Isuzu Yamada, Minoru Chiaki, Takashi Shimura |
|---|---|
| Director | Akira Kurosawa |
| Studio | BFI VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 45 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Thriller, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: Japanese |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 22 Oct 2001 Production year: 1957 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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TS Eliot considered this the finest film ever made, although several critics have attacked this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth for the one-dimensionality of the characters. Whatever faults there may be in the dramatic structure, there's no denying the power of the atmosphere director Akira Kurosawa builds up through his majestic use of camera movement, while the eerie sets certainly justified the film's alternative title, Cobweb Castle. At the centre of these Noh tableaux stands Toshiro Mifune, as the villain who's so much at the mercy of fate and the elements that all you can feel at his death is pity.
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A Japanese version of Macbeth with a savage and horrifying final sequence. The whole film is a treat to look at.
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Most helpful member's review
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11 out of 12 people found this review helpful
Is this a dagger I see before me
Macbeth transposed to feudal Japan, though without the original Shakespearean dialogue. One of the best examples of Kurasawa's genius, and also one of the best films ever made.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Mifune does Macbeth
For those of you who think that Japan's fascination with things Scottish is fairly recent, then think again.
Back in 1957 Akira Kurosawa made a Samurai film based upon Shakespeare's Macbeth. Starring old scratchy Toshiro Mifune as the Thane of Cobweb Castle and Isuzu Yamada as the Lady Asaji Washizu this story starts slowly with lots of charging about Cobweb Forest on horseback.
Eventually Lord Taketori Washizu (Mifune) meets the old woman who predicts that he will become Lord of Cobweb Castle and off we go upon the familiar tale.
This has some brilliant scenes in the movie, of which my favourite is Mifune imitating a Hedgehog and cursing his cowardly troops who have turned their bows on him.
Yes, I know that it is in Black and White and that the martial Arts are dated, that is what being a classic film means.
Get a sense of humour and rent this for a change, it is well worth the money! -
News and features
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Is this an adaptation I see before me?
- 28 Jun 2006
Check there are no budding thespians cavorting in the vicinity before mentioning the name of the latest literary work to be adapted by Hollywood. No thesps around, ok. Well Macbeth, Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and one of his most popular plays, is going to be adapted again, this time by John Maybury, director of The Jacket. The Scottish Play - for the theatrically superstitious - has been a favourite for many film-makers looking to build on the bard's work. The archetypal anti-hero has... Read more
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