Leave it to Kurosawa Akira and his collaborators to craft not just an exquisite film, but an ingenious screenplay. Peasants Tahei and Matashichi are buffoons, and less than honorable and trustworthy, but they are also provide comedic relief in their dynamics and antics. Uncommon for a Kurosawa flick, 'The hidden fortress' is flush with a robust element of humor for fair portions of its runtime. By this measure is the relatively light story and pacing of the first hour made to pass smoothly and almost wholly unremarked until the plot more distinctly advances. Moreover, that comedic edge provides sly cover for the greater underlying substance: predominant adventure airs as General Makabe and Princess Yuki more or less employ the peasants to help convey them across enemy lines; strong character writing that grants each figure significant, gratifying intelligence and personality; marvelously witty and flavorful scene writing and dialogue; and a deeper core of powerful drama and hearty emotion that rears its head at select intervals, and increasingly so over time. As esteemed composer Sato Masaru's excellent score follows the same tenor as the writing the strength of the feature is solidly confirmed, and in turn the viewing experience is both deftly compelling and very ably entertaining. As if we should anticipate anything less of such a legendary filmmaker, when all is said and done, this is simply exceptional.
This picture doesn't generally receive as much recognition as some of Kurosawa's many other tremendous classics, and that's an unfortunate oversight. The overall tone is perhaps a tad lighter, but the screenplay is altogether brilliant, it's just as well made as anything else the man ever gave us, and rest assured that we definitely get the action thrills we expect and desire. Why, for as dark as the likes of 'Kagemusha' and 'Ran' are, the lighter touches may arguably work in this flick's favor, ingratiating itself to us in a manner that's more gentle but just as certain. The scenes to greet us along the path of the quartet's journey represent a stupendous variety of levity, drama, broad tension and suspense, and flat-out action with wonderful cleverness spread all throughout. The cast is nothing less than stellar as all readily and dexterously navigate the spaces between these moods; superstar Mifune Toshiro naturally stands out most as General Makabe, bringing both confident intensity and underhanded nuance to the role, but I am equally pleased with the sharp performance Uehara Misa gives as willful Yuki. Even those in smaller supporting parts make a big impression, like Fujita Susumu as opposing General Tadokoro, and the boisterous spirit Chiaki Minoru and Fujiwara Katamari carry as Tahei and Matashichi definitely adds a unique dimension to the title. The script provides the foundation, but the actors breathe superb life into the saga.
Kurosawa's direction is as reliably sure-footed as ever, at once giving us terrific, artistic shot composition, orchestrating every scene with splendid vitality, and capturing the exact right energy at all times. If marginally less grand than we've seen elsewhere, there is a definite sense of spectacle to the proceedings here and there as the group tries to make their way to safety, and at no few points one can see the major influence that 'The hidden fortress' has had on much of cinema and television to follow in subsequent decades. With that firmly in mind, there is no aspect of the craftsmanship that is anything less than fantastic. The fight choreography, fight choreography, stunts, effects, and otherwise action sequences are unfailingly outstanding. The filming locations are gorgeous, and the sets and art direction truly no less so. Everything from costume design, hair, and makeup to props and weapons are conjured and realized with utmost skill and intelligence; Kurosawa's editing is as keen as it ever was, and Yamasaki Kazuo's cinematography smart and steady. Even the sound is rich and hardy, becoming particularly important in the back end as the journey faces increasingly difficult circumstances.
What it really comes down to is that if at any time the movie isn't as striking as some of its brethren - more likely to be the case earlier in the length - the sum total more than proves itself. There isn't really any going wrong with Kurosawa's mighty oeuvre, and this film is just another shining gem in an already sparkling crown. To whatever extent it isn't as absolutely spellbinding as 'Kagemusha' or 'Seven samurai,' or as fulfilling as 'Red Beard' or 'Ikiru,' for the level on which 'The hidden fortress' operates the disparity is meaningless. Him and haw about the specifics as one will, all told this is a timeless, essential classic among a bounty of timeless, essential classics, and I could not be happier with just how enjoyable, satisfying, and ultimately rewarding it is. There are some pictures that exist beyond any concern for personal preferences, and I very much believe that this is one of them. 'The hidden fortress' is exemplary, and I'm pleased to give it my very high, hearty, and enthusiastic recommendation!
This picture doesn't generally receive as much recognition as some of Kurosawa's many other tremendous classics, and that's an unfortunate oversight. The overall tone is perhaps a tad lighter, but the screenplay is altogether brilliant, it's just as well made as anything else the man ever gave us, and rest assured that we definitely get the action thrills we expect and desire. Why, for as dark as the likes of 'Kagemusha' and 'Ran' are, the lighter touches may arguably work in this flick's favor, ingratiating itself to us in a manner that's more gentle but just as certain. The scenes to greet us along the path of the quartet's journey represent a stupendous variety of levity, drama, broad tension and suspense, and flat-out action with wonderful cleverness spread all throughout. The cast is nothing less than stellar as all readily and dexterously navigate the spaces between these moods; superstar Mifune Toshiro naturally stands out most as General Makabe, bringing both confident intensity and underhanded nuance to the role, but I am equally pleased with the sharp performance Uehara Misa gives as willful Yuki. Even those in smaller supporting parts make a big impression, like Fujita Susumu as opposing General Tadokoro, and the boisterous spirit Chiaki Minoru and Fujiwara Katamari carry as Tahei and Matashichi definitely adds a unique dimension to the title. The script provides the foundation, but the actors breathe superb life into the saga.
Kurosawa's direction is as reliably sure-footed as ever, at once giving us terrific, artistic shot composition, orchestrating every scene with splendid vitality, and capturing the exact right energy at all times. If marginally less grand than we've seen elsewhere, there is a definite sense of spectacle to the proceedings here and there as the group tries to make their way to safety, and at no few points one can see the major influence that 'The hidden fortress' has had on much of cinema and television to follow in subsequent decades. With that firmly in mind, there is no aspect of the craftsmanship that is anything less than fantastic. The fight choreography, fight choreography, stunts, effects, and otherwise action sequences are unfailingly outstanding. The filming locations are gorgeous, and the sets and art direction truly no less so. Everything from costume design, hair, and makeup to props and weapons are conjured and realized with utmost skill and intelligence; Kurosawa's editing is as keen as it ever was, and Yamasaki Kazuo's cinematography smart and steady. Even the sound is rich and hardy, becoming particularly important in the back end as the journey faces increasingly difficult circumstances.
What it really comes down to is that if at any time the movie isn't as striking as some of its brethren - more likely to be the case earlier in the length - the sum total more than proves itself. There isn't really any going wrong with Kurosawa's mighty oeuvre, and this film is just another shining gem in an already sparkling crown. To whatever extent it isn't as absolutely spellbinding as 'Kagemusha' or 'Seven samurai,' or as fulfilling as 'Red Beard' or 'Ikiru,' for the level on which 'The hidden fortress' operates the disparity is meaningless. Him and haw about the specifics as one will, all told this is a timeless, essential classic among a bounty of timeless, essential classics, and I could not be happier with just how enjoyable, satisfying, and ultimately rewarding it is. There are some pictures that exist beyond any concern for personal preferences, and I very much believe that this is one of them. 'The hidden fortress' is exemplary, and I'm pleased to give it my very high, hearty, and enthusiastic recommendation!