The Hidden Fortress (1958)

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The Hidden Fortress (1958) – A. Kurosawa

Notable as a key influence on Star Wars (1977), this is Kurosawa’s fantastically fun adventure film.  I introduced Amon (aged 8 ½) to this last night and it didn’t disappoint.  The film follows two bumbling and greedy peasants (played comically by Minoru Chiaki and Kamatari Fujiwara) who escape from being accidental prisoners of war in the battle between the Yamana (bad guys) and the Akizuki (good guys) to find themselves involved with vanquished Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara) and her loyal general Rokurota Makabe (Toshirô Mifune). They are convinced to help these fleeing Akizuki leaders because they believe they will get a share of the clan’s gold that needs to be smuggled (along with the Princess, the only heir to the throne) across enemy territory to the safe lands of the Hayakawa.  What follows is an episodic journey that allows Mifune to scowl and grimace and tease the bumblers, even as he guides them all through difficult circumstances. One pivotal scene, reminiscent of Renoir’s honour between combatants in La Grande Illusion, sees Mifune duel one-on-one with his Yamana counterpart, buying time for the fleeing group; another focuses on a Fire Festival that highlights the film’s existential themes.  Throughout it all, Kurosawa keeps the excitement and sense of adventure going. Highly recommended.