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The Hidden Fortress
隠し砦の三悪人
1958 139 min Japan 16+
★8.2
Drama, Action, Adventure
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Trailers
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Description
In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.
US Gross:
$46,808
Worldwide:
$57,673
Starring
Toshirô Mifune
Actor
Misa Uehara
Actor
Minoru Chiaki
Actor
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 1959
— Silver Bear – Best Director
Berlin International Film Festival 1959
— FIPRESCI Prize
Berlin International Film Festival 1959
— Golden Bear
Key opinion
Akira Kurosawa's 1958 adventure is widely celebrated as a masterful, dynamic work that balances high-stakes historical drama with lighthearted, character-driven humor. While some critics argue it lacks the emotional depth and thematic complexity of the director's more serious epics, it is universally recognized for its significant influence on cinema and its high production standard.
| Acting | Toshiro Mifune delivers a commanding, authoritative performance that anchors the film’s high-stakes narrative. | |
| Cinematography | The film’s vivid visual presentation and skillful use of black-and-white cinematography create an immersive, painting-like depiction of the Sengoku period. | |
| Score | The score effectively utilizes dissonant flutes and heavy percussion to complement the film's frantic, adventurous tone. | |
| Humor | The comedic duo of the two peasants acts as a polarizing element: some find their slapstick interactions refreshing and reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy, while others feel their recurring antics become repetitive and lack nuance. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed by many as an expertly crafted adventure, though some critics argue that the plot lacks the profound emotional weight or character development found in Kurosawa’s more serious dramas. |