The Projector’s celebration of Akira Kurosawa’s legacy through the ‘Kurosawa Kanpai!’ retrospective is a fitting tribute to one of cinema’s most influential figures.
This special event, part of the 41st anniversary of the Japanese Film Festival, highlights Kurosawa’s impact not only on Japanese cinema but on global filmmaking. Running from 27 September to 20 October at Golden Mile Tower and Cineleisure, the showcase offers a carefully curated selection of some of his most iconic films, each renowned for its exploration of universal themes and masterful storytelling. From the groundbreaking Rashomon to the epic Ran. Experience the timeless storytelling, striking visuals, and masterful direction that have made Kurosawa one of cinema’s greatest visionaries. Here’s an overview of the films being screened:
1. Rashomon (1950)
Screenings: 29 September, 5 & 13 October 2024
Synopsis: A groundbreaking exploration of truth and perception, this film revolutionized the narrative structure of cinema with its use of conflicting accounts of the same event. Set in feudal Japan, the story revolves around the differing testimonies of a samurai’s murder and the rape of his wife, questioning the very nature of reality.
Acclaim: Winner of the Golden Lion at the 1951 Venice Film Festival, Rashomon was the first Japanese film to gain international recognition.
Ticketing link: Rashomon Tickets
2. Ran (1985)
Screenings: 27 September, 12 & 19 October 2024
Synopsis: Kurosawa’s epic adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran is a visually stunning film set in feudal Japan, following an aging warlord’s decision to divide his kingdom among his sons, leading to betrayal and war. Known for its breathtaking cinematography and emotional depth, Ran is a meditation on power, chaos, and the human condition.
Acclaim: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Costume Design (1986) and renowned for its use of color and striking battle sequences.
Ticketing link: Ran Tickets
3. Seven Samurai (1954)
Screenings: 28 September, 5 & 20 October 2024
Synopsis: One of the most famous films in world cinema, Seven Samurai tells the story of a group of ronin (masterless samurai) who are hired to protect a village from marauding bandits. It’s a gripping tale of heroism, sacrifice, and community, lauded for its dynamic action sequences and deep character development.
Acclaim: Winner of the Silver Lion at the 1954 Venice Film Festival, it has influenced countless films and filmmakers, including George Lucas and Sergio Leone.
Ticketing link: Seven Samurai Tickets
4. High and Low (1963)
Screenings: 29 September & 4 October 2024
Synopsis: A tense crime thriller that examines issues of class and morality, High and Low centers around a kidnapping that spirals into a moral dilemma for a wealthy executive. The film is notable for its sharp critique of Japan’s class divisions and its intense police procedural elements.
Acclaim: Winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Foreign Film (1964).
Ticketing link: High and Low Tickets
5. Kurosawa’s Dreams (1990)
Synopsis: An anthology of eight vignettes based on Kurosawa’s recurring dreams, Dreams explores themes of war, environmental destruction, and the human psyche. Each segment is a visually stunning, surreal exploration of imagination and consciousness.
Acclaim: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes (1991).
