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From Amazon.co.uk
A champion of illumination and experimental shading, Kurosawa brings his unerring eye for indelible images to Shakespeare in this 1957 adaptation of Macbeth. By changing the locale from Birnam Wood to 16th-century Japan, Kurosawa makes an oddball argument for the trans-historicity of Shakespeare's narrative; and indeed, stripped to the bare mechanics of the plot, the tale of cut-throat ambition rewarded (and thwarted) feels infinitely adaptable. What's lost in the translation, of course, is the force and beauty of the language--much of the script of Throne of Blood is maddeningly repetitive or superfluous--but striking visual images (including the surreal Cobweb Forest and some extremely artful gore) replace the sublime poetry. Toshiro Mifune is theatrically intense as Washizu, the samurai fated to betray his friend and master in exchange for the prestige of nobility; he portrays the ill-fated warrior with a passion bordering on violence, and a barely concealed conviviality. Somewhat less successful is Isuzu Yamada as Washizu's scheming wife; her poise and creepy impassivity, chilling at first, soon grows tedious. Kurosawa himself is the star of the show, though, and his masterful use of black-and-white contrast--not to mention his steady, dramatic hand with a battle scene--keeps the proceedings thrilling. A must-see for fans of Japanese cinema, as well as all you devotees of samurai weapons and armour. --Miles Bethany
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A great deal has been made of the fact that THRONE OF BLOOD (also known as SPIDER'S WEB CASTLE) is drawn from one of Shakespeare's most celebrated plays. This is both a blessing and a curse, for while it gives western audiences a point of reference, it also invites all sorts of comparisons that viewers familiar with the Shakespeare play feel honor-bound to make--and that can get in the way of seeing the film as it is rather than what we expect it to be. And that would be a great pity, because what it is in and of itself is quite fine indeed.
The cast is a very strong ensemble, with frequent Kurosawa star Torshiro Mifune leading the film with a remarkably fine performance as the ambitious warrior Taketori Washizu. To my mind, however, the most memorable performance is offered by Isuzu Yamada as Lady Washizu--who plays the role with a demonic stillness that cracks into physical action only when she is completely sure of herself or in utter desperation. It is one of the most disturbing characterizations I have ever encountered.
As usual in any Kurosawa film, the imagery involved is extremely powerful, and the moody tone of the film quickly draws viewers in--and once ensnared there is no escape; the film holds your attention with considerable ease throughout. Even so, I would not recommend THRONE OF BLOOD to western audiences who have never seen a Kurosawa film, for it is so completely Japanese in aesthetic that some may find it hard to grasp. It is best seen after you are already familiar with both Kurosawa's work and Japanese cinema in general.
The Criterion DVD is quite good, with a nicely restored transfer and bonus features that include the original trailer, a choice of subtitle translations (I prefer the Hoagland translation), and a somewhat awkward but ultimately rewarding commentary track by Michael Jeck. If you're a Kurosawa fan and you've never seen THRONE OF BLOOD, this is your opportunity; if you're looking to replace an existing video with a DVD, this one is likely as good as it gets. Strongly recommended.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Dandeleo
Format:DVD
Throne of Blood is one of those Shakespeare adaptations which is not a simple retelling but a superb Japanese story of the lust for power and the rewards it reaps. Kurosawa was inspired by Noh theatre, hence some of the make up and scenes. His use of black and white imagery is strong in this film - he really is the master. Of course, the best scene remains Toshiro Mifune in his castle being attacked, with arrows flying into the wall right beside him. Look close - that's real fear. Kurosawa had champion archers firing real arrows at poor old Mifune. All in the name of good cinema.
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
Kurosawa has never failed to impress me and this is yet again pure genius.
Mifune is as ever showing how to be a great actor and for me the best ever so far.
The techniques and style adopted into the making of this masterpiece are executed with such force, proves that this is the best ever rendition of Macbeth. And as if that wasn't enough we are treated to perhaps the most tense 5 minutes ever filmed in cinema history. The last moments of this film are breath-taking. A scene that should be hailed as one of the greatest ever filmed. it is just pure genius.
Mifune is as ever showing how to be a great actor and for me the best ever so far.
The techniques and style adopted into the making of this masterpiece are executed with such force, proves that this is the best ever rendition of Macbeth. And as if that wasn't enough we are treated to perhaps the most tense 5 minutes ever filmed in cinema history. The last moments of this film are breath-taking. A scene that should be hailed as one of the greatest ever filmed. it is just pure genius.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
this is the stuff
his is the stuff to get your teeth into good acting good scenery costumes all up to expectations top marks
Published 1 month ago by R. S. Kerr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gift
I'm sure I love it, but I haven't watched it as it was a gift. As far as I remember, its a great film
Published 4 months ago by Pandora
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kurosawa - not Shakespeare
Directed by Akira Kurosawa with himself and William Shakespeare (and others) credited in the writing credits of this DVD of the 1957 film "Throne of Blood", it shows the integrity... Read more
Published 18 months ago by RR Waller
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful film, deserves a better print
The version being sold by Amazon UK, which is published by the British Film Institute, doesn't seem to be the one reviewed in every case. Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2010 by Livfoss
4.0 out of 5 stars
Noisy genius
I've been a Kurosawa fan for some time, but had never seen Throne OF Blood before. I bought this expecting great things having read the previous reviews - however - I was... Read more
Published on 4 Aug 2010 by D. Peters
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hi, Wa kari mas
The dvd didn't like to play subtitles on the pc dvd player but once I played it on my main dvd player it gave me all selections and options. Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2009 by C. L. Vidler
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cut the noise Toshiro!! There's a strange old man in a bamboo cage
Mist and fog and a lot of shouting. T.S.Eliot's favourite film. He generally went to the theatre. Moves at snail's pace mostly and because the language has nothing of Shakespeare,... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Mario
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerfully dark, dark and powerful
Once you see Throne of Blood you will want to watch it again and again. The dark lust for power, brilliant acting, deep powerful story will grab you sink it's teeth into you. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Borodino
4.0 out of 5 stars
Historic cinema, but tough for modern film fans
You may wonder about renting or buying Throne of Blood because you've heard so much about the films of Akira Kurosawa -- most notably the Seven Samurai, which Hollywood re-created... Read more
Published on 17 Oct 2007 by Rowena Hoseason
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reinterpretation of Macbeth in terms of Medieval Japan
A brilliant retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth in terms of Medieval Japan. Kurosawa manages to sort out Shakespeare's plotting (which is famously dodgy in the case of Lady... Read more
Published on 11 Sep 2000
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