In a mad world, only the mad are sane.|Jun. 01, 1985|Japan|160 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Drama;History
Description: The 2016 film *Ran* tells the story of Hidetora Ichimonji, an aging yet formidable warlord, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons: Taro, Jiro, and Saburo. The eldest son, Taro, is granted the prestigious First Castle and leadership of the Ichimonji clan, while Jiro and Saburo are given the Second and Third Castles, respectively. Hidetora retains the title of Great Lord, with Jiro and Saburo expected to support Taro. However, Saburo is exiled after openly criticizing his father’s lesson on unity. Tango, Hidetora’s loyal servant, is also exiled for defending Saburo.
Following the division of the lands, Taro’s wife, Lady Kaede, harboring resentment over the destruction of her family and the seizure of their land by Hidetora, persuades Taro to seize complete control of the Ichimonji clan. When Taro demands that Hidetora relinquish his title, the Great Lord departs and seeks refuge at Jiro’s castle, only to realize that Jiro views him as a mere figurehead. As Hidetora and his retinue wander aimlessly, Tango warns him of Taro’s new decree: anyone aiding Hidetora will face death. Hidetora takes shelter in the abandoned Third Castle, deserted after Saburo’s forces followed him into exile. Kyoami, the court fool, mocks Hidetora’s situation, leading to his expulsion from the castle.
Later, Hidetora and his followers are ambushed by the combined forces of Taro and Jiro. Taro is killed by a bullet fired by Jiro’s general, Kurogane. Hidetora, allowed to live, descends into madness as he wanders away from the destroyed castle. Kyoami and Tango, remaining loyal, find him and offer their assistance. Haunted by visions of those he had killed in the past, Hidetora takes refuge in a peasant’s home, only to discover that its occupant is Tsurumaru, the brother of Lady Sue, Jiro’s wife.
Cast director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast actor: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû, Mieko Harada, Yoshiko Miyazaki, Mansai Nomura, Hisashi Igawa, Shinnosuke Ikehata, Masayuki Yui
Original name: 乱