Ran (re-release)
Metascore
90 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Desmond Ryan
    100
    The triumphant masterpiece of Akira Kurosawa's fertile twilight.
    All this critic's reviews
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Bob Graham
    100
    As close to perfect as filmmaking gets.
  3. San Francisco Examiner
    Reviewed by: G. Allen Johnson
    100
    Kurosawa pulled out all the stops with Ran, his obsession with loyalty and his love of expressionistic film techniques allowed to roam freely.
    All this critic's reviews
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Frank Lovece
    100
    Stands separate from the rest, in a pantheon, a true cinematic masterwork of sight, sound, intelligence, and most importantly--passion.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    100
    One of the 10 best films ever made, period.
  6. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    100
    The adaptation of "King Lear" to feudal Japan is an extraordinary spectacle.
    All this critic's reviews
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (not credited)
    100
    A dazzlingly successful addition to his (Kurosawa's) distinguished career.
  8. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: F. X. Feeney
    95
    The Japanese title means chaos, and that is what is let loose when a powerful king foolishly tries to release the reins of power, in the hopes of enjoying a peaceful old age.
    All this critic's reviews
  9. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    90
    A stunning achievement in epic cinema.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Azid_AlexDeSmal
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Akira Kurosawa's final epic, Ran, takes on William Shakespeare's King Lear. To me, from head to toe, this Kurosawa's picture which symbolizes downfall is absolute stunning such gorgeousness in a film is utterly rare, and of course, it is one of the Kurosawa's many best films. Ran is a success having nominated for Academy Awards for best art direction, best cinematography, best costume design and best direction and won one. Ran was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

    I repeat this Ran, from head to toe, is absolutely stunning, and of course this movie is perfect. The film's cinematography, which is top notch, is a killer. The way Kurosawa captured the images of burning castle, a moving horses, dead soldiers, battle scenes are all undeniably respectable, and sublime too, and one great example would be the scenes where the attack of the third castle was occurring. Very much in evidence that Kurosawa's talent in film-making is transcending. The film's script which was being written by Kurosawa himself, Hideo Oguni and Masato Ide is yet admirable. The exploitation on poetic lines are proved to be effective and fitting for the movie.

    One would see great performances in Ran. Good acting by the players, but to me, the two actors who stood up above the rest are Tatsuya Nakadai and Mieko Harada. Tatsuya Nakadai plays the great lord Tatsuya Nakadai. The great lord is old, fragile and somewhat defenseless and the character is well characterized by him. Mieko Harada plays a female villain Lady Kaede, whose character is hungry for revenge. Her amazing performance which is raw and gripping, plays a very important part for the success of the movie.

    Surely there are several movie elements which are worthy to be carried out for discussions, but to me, the main highlight of Ran is its cinematography, and it is one hell of a show.

    [10/10]

    Facebook (http://facebook.com/alex.desmall) Twitter (@Alex_DeSmall) (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/member/AlexDesmall)    … Full Review »
  2. Mr.Hankey
    10
    Akira Kurosawa was a visionary his work was the best a japanese director has ever put out. Yes this is based on King Lear and is a genius copy as well. The sequences of violence show the different customs that japan had and also the conflict between the sons and the father was shown amazingly. The fact is you will never find a better japanese film besides Ran and Seven Samurai in your life and if you do you better post a review because I would like to know.… Full Review »
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