Reel Rumbles: “Kagemusha” vs “Ran”

David Conrad

David is the author of AKIRA KUROSAWA AND MODERN JAPAN. He has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Texas at Austin and loves period pieces, classics, and arthouse films. www.facebook.com/DavidConradAuthor/

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3 Responses

  1. Andy Zamora says:

    It’s been some time since I’ve seen these films, but I generally agree with your analysis. For me, Ran was perhaps too ambitious, it failed to hold my interest for the entire epic length. I reacted more positively to the immediacy and intimacy of Kagemusha.

    • David Conrad says:

      Well-said. I think watching them in their release order, as I did, might also increase the risk of diminishing returns. I do like Ran a lot as a work of craftsmanship, though.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Now I want to watch! Thanks.