Best movie of this year hands down!

I'll tell you why so serious

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

THE HIDDEN FORTRESS is an adventure drama with elements of comedy, which examines human courage, loyalty and greed.A country is torn apart in a war between two rival clans. A two poor farmers are trying to use a state of the war in order to profit. Their attempts are usually unsuccessful. After one attempt, the two of them barely save lives. However, they accidentally find a couple of bars of gold, which are marked with symbols of the defeated clan. One general (of dubious identity) is interested in gold also. He promises them a share in the wealth if they help him to escape to a free territory. A mute girl will join them ....Mr. Kurosawa has presented a medieval clash in Japan through a joint adventure between two greedy and unstable, but hilarious characters and two strong characters which manifest courage and loyalty at the same time. The war topics, except at the beginning of the film, are in the background. A dismal and cruel landscape corresponds to human greed and slyness.The story is quite tense and exciting. The focus is on two unlikable characters, whose cowardice is almost tragicomic. The true heroes are a kind of "support" in this story.Minoru Chiaki (Tahei) and Kamatari Fujiwara (Matashichi) were simply excellent. The rwo paupers, which with their greed and cowardice drive everyone crazy in a tragicomic way. They are constantly in conflict and they give a certain comic dimension in this film. Toshiro Mifune as general Rokurota Makabe is extremely strong, loyal and brave character, who gradually revives his heroic figure. Misa Uehara as Princess Yuki has offered an impressive performance. A bit arrogant princess is doing well in the role of the mute girl. This crazy adventure has changed her character.This is one fast, funny and visually impressive adventure where Mr. Kurosawa made an excellent balance between courage and cowardice, or between tragedy and comedy.

Like some other reviewers of Hidden Fortress, this was my first experience of an Akira Kurosawa film and unfortunately I was disappointed. There are several reasons for me finally viewing Hidden Fortress. One reason is that I have had several friends recommend this film and the main reason is because it is the inspiration for the Star Wars: A New Hope. I will first focus on why this film was such a disappointment for this reviewer. At first I thought the banter between the characters of Tahei and Matashichi was amusing. That being said, within ten minutes of this banter and their actions I was quickly annoyed by these characters. I kept hoping throughout the film that these two characters would develop into better and less annoying characters. Unfortunately this characters remained one dimensional with only a glimmer of growth at the end. In addition, the Princess Yuki character was just as annoying and whinny(at least during the first half). My second problem with Hidden Fortress is the pacing. The pacing of this film is tedious, aimless, and without a sense of urgency or suspense.I know that the characters of this film have to be cautions, but you would think there would a little urgency in getting the princess over hostile territory. That being said, I believe that Tahei and Matashichi hindered both the mission in the film and the film itself. The good of the film are the characters of General Rokurota and later Princess Yuki. Unlike two characters mentioned in this review, Yuki seems to demonstrate a sense of character development/depth. I would also say that my favorite character is The Old General. I actually cared about his character. Secondly, the direction and cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. And thirdly, the pacing during the second half improved and I felt some sense of suspense. I give the film a 6/10 and or a C+. I do look forward to watching Yojimbo sometime soon.

Lured by gold, two greedy peasants escort a man and woman across enemy lines. However, they do not realize that their companions are actually a princess and her general.Although for some of us, the name Toho calls to mind the films of Honda (notably "Godzilla"), it also allowed Kurosawa to make some of his best work -- this film, as well as "Rashomon". One has to admire a studio that was willing to make both artistic pictures and cheesy science fiction.I love that George Lucas used this film as inspiration. Not just the "princess in disguise" bit, but the whole concept of having the plot follow two bumbling, comic characters. Not knowing much about Lucas, I would never have pegged him to be interested in Japanese cinema, or maybe even classic film at all. Unlike Martin Scorsese, he never struck me that way.

What a wonderful movie! In my top 5 Kurasawa movies for sure alongside Seven Samurai, Ran, Throne of Blood and Yojimbo. As always it is superbly directed, and looks amazing especially in the once again epic scenery and use of CinemaScope. The music score is suitably lively(though my favourite score of any of Kurasawa's movies is still Ran), the script is literate and amusing and the story compels. The action sequences are beautifully choreographed and exciting and the comedy puts a smile on my face. The acting is just as accomplished as ever, with Toshiro Mifune giving yet another charismatic lead performance, and Minoru Chiaki and Kamatari Fujiwara match him just as effectively. Through his camera and directorial techniques you can see Kurasawa paying debt to John Ford's western, and you can also see with the galaxy far far away idea especially the major influence it had on Star Wars. The Hidden Fortress was said as well to be Kurasawa's own personal favourite of his work, and while not quite mine(Seven Samurai) I can definitely see why, and it is perhaps his most accessible(I have often seen Throne of Blood criticised for its dramatic structure and one-dimensional characters and I know people were deterred by the length of Seven Samurai). In conclusion though, a truly great film. 10/10 Bethany Cox