The Hidden Fortress - Criterion Collection (1960)

 Although Not Quite Among Kurosawa's Masterpieces, An Extremely Fine Film Nonetheless
According to film lore, director Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) wished to make a distinctly commercial film for Toho Studios in order to thank the company for backing his earlier, riskier fare. Considering that the fare in question, however, had generated at least major international hits, it would seem the studio had been already been thanked and then some. No, I suspect that this story was put forth by Kurosawa fans who wanted to find a tangible reason for the fact that THE HIDDEN FORTRESS was not quite in the same league as such films RASHOMON, SEVEN SAMURAI, and THRONE OF BLOOD. If so, they needn't have bothered. It is true that THE HIDDEN FORTRESS lacks the same intense focus and the same visual power as Kurosawa's masterworks, but it is no less a fine film for that, and it should be judged on its own merits.

The story begins with two foolish peasants Tahei (Minoru Chiaki) and Matashichi (Kamatari Fujiwara) who squandered their savings to go to war--only to find themselves beset by both armies. Having at last escaped, they discover a piece of gold belonging to the defeated army, begin to search for more, and fall into the hands of General Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), who seeks to get both the gold and the only surviving ruler of his clan, Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara), out enemy territory. Makabe decides he can make use of the peasants--and quite soon the party is underway, the gold cleverly concealed, the peasants really more hinderance than help, and the Princess every bit as strong willed as her general.

As you might expect from Kurosawa, THE HIDDEN FORTRESS is a highly visual film, and indeed it contains sequences every bit as exciting as the best of his best. The opening shots, which track the peasants across what seems to be a completely empty landscape that is suddenly disrupted by sudden death; the rebellion of the prisoners in the camp; the moments in which Princess Yuki explores a brothel; the fire dance--all offer Kurosawa's meticulous eye at its most penetrating. The performances are excellent and the whole thing is extremely entertaining.

Most critical complaints about the film center on Chiaki and Fujiwara's performances as the peasants, and it is quite true that--to Western eyes at least--they seem excessive, almost as if two of the Three Stooges had been suddenly dropped into a Eugene O'Neill drama. Ideas about comedy vary considerably from culture to culture, and this may be an instance in which we should chalk up the experience to evidence of that; even so, and although I found them occasionally wearing, they frequently manage to transcend the cultural barrier to become laugh-out-loud funny.

The Criterion DVD release is quite fine in terms of sound and picture and offers extremely legible subtitles. The only "bonus feature" is an eight minute interview with George Lucas, who briefly discusses the influence of Kurosawa in general and THE HIDDEN FORTRESS in particular on his film STAR WARS. The best I can say for the clip is that it has obviously been quite some time since Lucas saw THE HIDDEN FORTRESS; he seems oblivious to many of the parallels. That said, quite frankly I find the comparison somewhat overblown. THE HIDDEN FORTRESS does well enough on its own.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer December 8, 2007

 The Hidden Fortress
In this bristling adventure with a leavening dose of humor, Kurosawa created one of his most indelible, influential early films, inspiring George Lucas to conceive "Star Wars." (Think of the peasants as distant ancestors of R2D2 and C3PO). Kazuo Yamazaki's evocative black-and-white photography is enhanced by the widescreen format, which Kurosawa used here for the first time, lending the action a dazzling visual sweep. Meanwhile, Mifune plays at the top of his game as Makabe, while Uehara makes a feisty, bewitching princess well worth saving. Whatever you do, don't keep this "Fortress" hidden. June 26, 2007

 Lucasfilms started here!!
This is a masterpiece... take away that George Lucas completely ravaged this film to "create" Star Wars... & you have an adventure unlike any other... editing techniques that were scarcely employed at the time... which are now novelty efx... This criterion collection even has a foreword by George Lucas where he both admits to, and lies profusely about, using this film as a basis of his Star Wars.

The genius of Kurosawa... further explained

May 7, 2007

 It's all about the journey, not the destination
George Lucas loosely based Star Wars on this movie. Don't take my word for it; he said that and more himself in an interview on this DVD.

The plot is simple: a princess needs to reach home to claim power and she carries the clan's gold bars, which without she won't be able to rule. She's accompanied by a loyal General to protect her while they're in disguise. Yet, that's not the interesting part; it's what happens throughout the journey.

The princess learns from people and about people. She experiences new things that other rulers don't usually get to experience. You get to see how people react to issues like greed, loyalty, duty and other qualities that are tested in many situations in the film.

Of course, it's another Japanese brilliant born-to-be-classic-film by akira kurosawa. And Toshirô Mifune's graceful acting style grows on me every time I see more of his work. (See the Seven Samurai for a completely different role he plays and see Shogun for his acting at an older age).

Not all B&W classic films are well restored, but I trust Criterion Collection's efforts and standards. You won't be disappointed.

I gave it 4 stars because I felt the ending few scenes were too short compared to the rhythm of the entire film (and it's long, I warn you). But again, it's about the journey, not the destination. April 11, 2007

 A Gentle Masterpiece
The Hidden Fortress is another of Akira Kurosawa's cinematic masterpieces. This movie is a wonderful example of deep character development coupled with great direction and camera work. As viewers, we are taken for a ride into old feudalist Japan with its' various class distinctions. There are the peasant farmers, Tahei and Matakishi, who sold everything to go to war and end up penniless trying to survive. There's the disguised general, Rokuruta Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), a samurai general protecting his charge the princess. He must find a way of getting her and the gold across the enemies border to rebuild the empire. Finally, there is the princess Yuki. All the hopes of clan rest with her and the gold's successful escape to friendlier territories. Along the way life's lessons are learned. The princess moves from spoiled child to become a true princess ready to lead her clan. The farmers come away far less greedy and much better friends. Lastly, the word of the samurai is honored between two old antagonists.

Whether it is the camera shots...just watch the escape sequence as hundreds of extras come fighting down a staircase...or the story, this movie satisfies on many levels. All good or smart directors borrow from each other. The influence of John Ford can be seen in many areas and Lucas certainly borrowed from Kurosawa. Try to avoid the Star Wars comparisons and sit back and enjoy a truly great film. Well worth adding to the film library. March 20, 2007

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