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CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.
Film Review: Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Ran’ is a Must-See Masterpiece
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 5, 2016 - 11:46am
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“Ran” will be screened by the Gene Siskel Film Center – 164 North State Street, Chicago – through April 6th, 2016. For other stops on the road show, click here. Featuring Akira Kurosawa, Ran, Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryu and Mieko Harada. Written by Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Ogun and Masato Ide. Directed by Akira Kurosawa. Rated “R”
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Ran”
The Warlord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) in ‘Ran’
Photo credit: Rialto Pictures
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Ran”
Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version
CHICAGO – The master director Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) gave us a treasure trove of cinematic wizardry, to savor and revisit for years to come. Rialto Pictures is distributing the latest 4K restoration of one of his greatest pictures, “Ran” (1985). As part of a nationwide road show, it’s currently at the Gene Siskel Film Center of Chicago.
 Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
The story is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” if the kingdom were present in 16th Century Japan. This is part of Kurosawa’s fascination and film journey (“Throne of Blood,” “Seven Samurai”) with the Japanese warrior culture, in the days of the samurai rule. This is his epic, the color film adaptation that is spectacularly rendered, so beautiful in its restoration it will make your eyes hurt in the finest way. The tale is compelling, the acting is sublime and the action sequences are better than any hack superhero film. If you have an opportunity to get to experience any of these screenings, go for it. The restoration will eventually be released on Blu-ray and digital later in the year.
A legendary warlord, Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai), is redirecting his power and land because of old age. He wants to give his main castle to his eldest son Taro (Akira Terao), but all are protesting what they feel is a premature retirement. His other sons are Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), who is given the second castle, and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu), who has been banished for his intense protestations. As soon as the new structure is in place, Taro’s wife Lady Kaede (Mieko Harada) starts scheming for more power.
Taro is seen as weak by the warlord’s rivals and enemies, and battle plans are drawn up to strike. The old man Hidetora is distraught by this unexpected turn of events, and his retirement castle is the first to be attacked. Now one of the strongest warriors of history is banished himself, going mad in his wanderings. The power play for Hidetora’s legacy is about to begin.
This restoration is playing concurrently with the Gene Siskel Film Center’s stewardship of the 21st Annual Asian American Showcase, a two week overview co-sponsored by the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media. Click here for more information.
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Ran”The Warlord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) in ‘Ran’
Photo credit: Rialto Pictures
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Ran”
