Ran

R

Released Jun 1, 1985

2h 40m

History

Drama

List

96%

Tomatometer

93 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

At the age of seventy, after years of consolidating his empire, the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) decides to abdicate and divide his domain amongst his three sons. Taro (Akira Terao), the eldest, will rule. Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), his second son, and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu) will take command of the Second and Third Castles but are expected to obey and support their elder brother. Saburo defies the pledge of obedience and is banished.

Critics Consensus

Akira Kurosawa's sprawling, epic take on King Lear should be required viewing for fans of westerns, war movies, or period films in general.

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David Robinson

Times (UK)

Ran takes film spectacle to new heights. Kurosawa continues not only to extend his own powers but to exploit new technical advances.

Jan 29, 2020

Full Review

Nigel Andrews

Financial Times

There is not a wasted second. [Here] is proof of what we seldom doubted: Kurosawa is a director who becomes godlike rather than gaga in old age.

Jan 29, 2020

Full Review

Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

Kurosawa may not be Shakespeare, but with images like these, he gets at something about the horror -- and hopelessness -- of being a man that is peculiarly his own.

Jan 3, 2018

Full Review

Ross McIndoe

The Skinny

Rereleased by StudioCanal to celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, his breathtaking adaptation of King Lear proves, so far at least, to be as immune to the effects of time as the original

Rated: 5/5

Jul 4, 2024

Full Review

Panos Kotzathanasis

Asian Movie Pulse

“Ran” stands as a cross-cultural testament to timeless storytelling, where Kurosawa's indomitable spirit shapes a profound meditation on power, chaos, and the enduring resonance of Shakespearean influence.

Rated: 9

Mar 3, 2024

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Kurosawa is not merely true to Shakespeare’s story, he brings scenes alive with a cultural twist and a visual mastery...

Aug 19, 2023

Full Review

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Spencer Nielsen

In the same breath one of the most beautiful and bleak spectacles ever filmed. Kurosawa once again gives evidence for being one of the all-time masters of the art.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/24

Full Review

Koustav P

Masterpiece. Impossible to forget. Best production and costume design in cinema history. Makes modern day CGI fest look like slop. Film of this caliber will never be made again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

Full Review

Nikki H

Very well done and moving.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/24

Full Review

Daniel N

From the story full of meaning to the wonderful landscapes along with the colors and epic costume design, makes ‘Ran' an enjoyable film to watch until these days.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/02/24

Full Review

Lars N

Ran is epic storytelling with breathtaking cinematography. While its runtime may be daunting for some, the overall experience is richly rewarding.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/07/24

Full Review

Nicolas D

Ran is an absolute masterpiece when it comes to storytelling centered around revenge. This film flawlessly captures the essence of vengeance, weaving a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are brilliantly portrayed, drawing you into their world of intrigue and payback. The plot is a finely crafted web of suspense and retribution, leaving no loose ends and providing a satisfying resolution. Every element, from the direction to the performances, is top-notch. Ran is a perfect example of how revenge can be a compelling and thought-provoking theme in cinema. It's a must-watch, and I'd give it five stars without hesitation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/23

Full Review

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Akira Kurosawa

Director

Tatsuya Nakadai

Lord Hidetora Ichimonji

Mieko Harada

Lady Kaede

Akira Terao

Taro Takatora Ichimonji

Jinpachi Nezu

Jiro Masatora Ichimonji

Daisuke Ryu

Saburo Naotora Ichimonji

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Synopsis

At the age of seventy, after years of consolidating his empire, the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) decides to abdicate and divide his domain amongst his three sons. Taro (Akira Terao), the eldest, will rule. Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), his second son, and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu) will take command of the Second and Third Castles but are expected to obey and support their elder brother. Saburo defies the pledge of obedience and is banished.

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Producer: Masato Hara, Serge Silberman
Screenwriter: Masato Ide, Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni, William Shakespeare
Distributor: Orion Pictures
Production Co: Herald Ace, Greenwich Film Productions, Nippon Herald Films
Rating: R
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 1, 1985, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Feb 26, 2016
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $454.0K
Runtime: 2h 40m
Sound Mix: Magnetic Stereo 4 Track, Dolby Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)