The acclaimed war film 'Ran', often described as a masterpiece and repeatedly named among the best war movies ever made, is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and the British Film Institute's platform.
A Timeless Epic
Released in 1985, 'Ran' continues to captivate audiences nearly four decades later. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, the film has been hailed by Vulture as 'the greatest war movie ever made' in its latest ranking. Fans and critics alike have praised it as a masterpiece.
Plot and Inspiration
The story draws inspiration from William Shakespeare's 'King Lear' and the life of 16th-century feudal lord Mori Motonari. The IMDb synopsis reads: 'In Medieval Japan, an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the newfound power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other...and him.'
Production Challenges
Kurosawa spent years developing the project and faced significant funding difficulties. Despite these obstacles, the film became a massive success and the most expensive Japanese film ever made at the time. During production, Kurosawa also struggled with his eyesight and tragically lost his wife to cancer. The film stands as a monumental technical achievement, featuring armies of extras and massive sets burned to the ground to depict the chaos of war.
Critical Acclaim
'Ran' has earned a place on Esquire's list of best war films and ranks 19th on Rotten Tomatoes' 100 Best War Movies of All Time, with a 95% audience score. It won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 1986 and received two BAFTA awards, among many other accolades. One critic described it as 'no doubt the best film of 1985'.
Streaming Now
Viewers can watch 'Ran' on the BFI streaming platform and Amazon Prime Video.
