Samurai Marathon: Ran

On our recent trip to Toronto and Algonquin park we read about a Kurosawa marathon happening in major cities in the US. Lamenting that we wouldn't be able to see these stunning, classic films on the big screen we decided to do the next best thing: have our own "Samurai Marathon" in the comfort of our own home. It wouldn't be quite the same, but still a lot of fun.

Ran (Akira Kurosawa, 1985)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Samurai, Epic, Action, Shakespeare

I was thoroughly mesmerized at this brilliant, tragic, and beautiful adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear. Kurosawa's masterpiece, many claim. I mostly agree--though some of his earlier films have more subtle, thought-provoking artistry. Ran, in contrast, is full of vibrant color, chaos, and silent drama. I felt that the tragedy of King Lear works even better in a samurai setting, with selfish brothers vying for power. There is so much tension. Kurosawa is able to build so much emotional anxiety in his pacing and emphasis on Hidetora's rapid downfall and insanity.  

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Samurai Marathon: Throne of Blood

On our recent trip to Toronto and Algonquin park we read about a Kurosawa marathon happening in major cities in the US. Lamenting that we wouldn't be able to see these stunning, classic films on the big screen we decided to do the next best thing: have our own "Samurai Marathon" in the comfort of our own home. It wouldn't be quite the same, but still a lot of fun.

Throne of Blood (Akira Kurosawa, 1957)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Samurai, Epic, Action, Shakespeare

A fascinating version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. I was drawn to the marvelous and creepy performances--especially that of Isuzu Yamada as Lady Washizu. The Noh inspired performances and the tragic story blend together in a way that is hard to describe. So much tension and quiet juxtaposed with chaos. A really beautiful film.

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Tron: Ares

Tron: Ares (Joachim Rønning, 2025)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=3

Science Fiction, Fantasy, Cyberpunk, Action, Adventure

I have always enjoyed the idea of artificial intelligence, from the first instances that I encountered the concept. Computers and robots are cool with seemingly limitless potential. The show Reboot was one of my favorite cartoons growing up and I love the original Tron and Tron: Legacy even more. The latest film in the series seemed very timely given that our world is now immersed in AI and is wrestling with the consequences. Tron: Ares is visually exciting, tackles some philosophical and ethical questions, and is a fun escape. There are some cheesy/sappy moments but the film isn't meant to be revelatory, so it works. Not as well-written as Tron: Legacy, but the visuals and music made up for that. I thought the music was the best part ;) I'd watch it again.

Here's how I rated Tron and Tron: Legacy (with updated ratings from 2025 included)

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Samurai Marathon: Kill!

On our recent trip to Toronto and Algonquin park we read about a Kurosawa marathon happening in major cities in the US. Lamenting that we wouldn't be able to see these stunning, classic films on the big screen we decided to do the next best thing: have our own "Samurai Marathon" in the comfort of our own home. It wouldn't be quite the same, but still a lot of fun.

Kill! (Kihachi Okamoto, 1968)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Samurai, Action, Adventure

Kill! is essentially another version of Sanjuro--both films borrowing from the short story 17 Days at Fort Mountain. The plot gets a bit confusing here and there, but the characters are so memorable that they help you along. You just have to love the determination and grit of Genta and the goofiness and simplicity of Hanji.

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