‘Greatest war film ever’ is 1985 ‘epic masterpiece’ | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” war film you may never have heard of it hailed by many fans as the best the genre has ever produced. Ran (1985) is a set in medieval Japan and tells the story of aging warlord Hidetora Ichimonji (played by Tatsuya Nakadai) who decides to step down as leader of the powerful Ichimonji clan and hand control of the kingdom to his three sons.

The patriarch is wracked with regret for his lifetime of conquests and violence, and to his horror, the same cold ambition his sons threatens to destroy them and his empire. His sons Tar, Jiro and Saburo are played by Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, and Daisuke Ryu, respectively. The plot of the film, which was directed, co-written, and edited by iconic Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, is heavily inspired by William Shakespeare‘s King Lear. It also takes inspiration from legends of the feudal lord Mōri Motonari.

Last year, an article by Vulture ranking the top 50 greatest war movies of all time put Ran top ahead of all-time classics like Paths of Glory (1957), The Thin Red Line (1998) Grand Illusion (1937) and Saving Private Ryan (1998).

Many regard as among the best of the genre, and fans have taken to IMDb to shower it with praise.

One called it a “masterpiece of war and greed” writing: “I have been reviewing the Kurosawa canon and am convinced that this may be his finest work.”

Another described the movie as “absolute cinema”and “nothing short of cinematic majesty-a sweeping epic that merges Shakespearean tragedy with the grandeur of Japanese historical drama”.

“As a viewer, I was captivated from the first scene to the last, deeply moved by its emotional weight and visual power,” they continued.”

A third said is one of the “most stunning bits of cinema I have ever seen”. “Worth the watch for the spectacle of it. Outdoes many western films lauded for their cinematography, imho.

“The story is slow, but it’s worth it if you’re in the right mindset. Put your phone away and appreciate the beauty of what you’re seeing and what the Japanese countryside battlefield presents you.”

Another, writing back in 2005, said its one of “the most moving movies I have ever seen”. “Ran was not what I expected, I saw it in my local video shop and thought I would check it out as I have an interest in the time period,” they added. “When I was finished watching it I was amazed at the genius of Kurosawa.”

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong bloody violence, so may not be for everyone.

Ran is available to stream on Amazon Prime with a STUDIOCANAL PRESENTS subscription. You can also rent it on BFI player, or rent and buy on Apple TV, Sky Store, and YouTube.