The Hidden Fortress
The Hidden Fortress

Movie spotlight

The Hidden Fortress

2001
Movie
95 min
French

Just like every other summer, the children of two camp-sites play "war". But, this summer it takes an interesting turn.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users90%
Director: Akira KurosawaGenres: Adventure, Drama, War

Plot Summary

In feudal Japan, two bumbling peasants are tasked with escorting a hidden princess and a fortune in gold across a war-torn land. They must outwit enemy soldiers and navigate treacherous terrain, all while dealing with their own greed and incompetence. Their journey is fraught with peril, but the fate of a clan rests on their success.

Critical Reception

Akira Kurosawa's final film, "The Hidden Fortress," is a visually stunning and engaging adventure that, despite its age, holds up remarkably well. It's praised for its masterful direction, compelling narrative, and the iconic performances of its cast, particularly Toshiro Mifune. The film is considered a significant influence on later works, including George Lucas's "Star Wars."

What Reviewers Say

  • A visually spectacular and thematically rich adventure that showcases Kurosawa's late-career brilliance.

  • The film's influence on cinema, particularly science fiction, is undeniable.

  • Mifune delivers a commanding performance, anchoring the film with his presence.

Google audience: Audiences generally praise "The Hidden Fortress" for its exciting adventure, stunning visuals, and Kurosawa's masterful storytelling. Many appreciate the compelling characters and the film's lasting impact on popular culture.

Fun Fact

George Lucas has cited "The Hidden Fortress" as a major inspiration for "Star Wars: A New Hope," with the archetypes of the two bumbling peasants directly influencing the characters of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review