If you like RAN you will also want to see KAGEMUSHA: THE SHADOW WARRIOR.

Kagemusha is the story of a thief who is drafted to act in the place of a feudal lord, the famous Takeda Shingen, who has died at an inopportune time. Not only does the imposter have to keep up appearances while the Lord's inner circle decide how to deal with the succession, the actor also finds himself dealing with his own inner battle with the spirit of the dead lord he is only copying.

It's been a long time since I've seen it (a DVD is out in Asia) but I do remember it has massive battle scenes on scale larger than RAN.

<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Loh : If you like RAN you will also want to see KAGEMUSHA: THE SHADOW WARRIOR.

Kagemusha is the story of a thief who is drafted to act in the place of a feudal lord, the famous Takeda Shingen, who has died at an inopportune time. Not only does the imposter have to keep up appearances while the Lord's inner circle decide how to deal with the succession, the actor also finds himself dealing with his own inner battle with the spirit of the dead lord he is only copying.

It's been a long time since I've seen it (a DVD is out in Asia) but I do remember it has massive battle scenes on scale larger than RAN. -->>>

Have you see Rashomon? I have not had a chance to catch it and have heard great things about it.

<<<-- Originally posted by Paul Sedillo : <<<--
Have you see Rashomon? I have not had a chance to catch it and have heard great things about it. -->>>

Yes, I consider it one of the greatest films of all time and I own the glorious Criterion DVD. As I said previously in the thread it's a toss up which film I consider greater, IKURU or RASHOMON.

RASHOMON is set in medieval Japan but don't expect a film like RAN. RASHOMON is a psychological mystery about the nature of recollection and how a witness' psychology affects testimony. It begins when three travellers, a woodcutter, a priest and a cynical villager, take refuge from a rainstorm in the ruins of a temple. The temple is a symbol for the chaotic state of affairs of Japan in the story. The three begin griping about the lawless nature of the times and quickly fall into relating the recent story of the assault of a noblewoman and the death of her samurai husband, details of which come out in the trial of the suspect, a bandit (played by Toshiro Mifune).

The basic facts of the crime are known. The samurai and his wife were on a forest road when they were beset by the bandit. The bandit managed to subdue the samurai and then assaulted the wife (though how willingly she submitted is soon brought into doubt). Subsequently, the samurai is killed. But the details and motivations of those involved is not clear. The structure for the film is then set. In separate retellings, the bandit, the wife and even the spirit of the dead samurai's version of the crime are told in flashbacks. The same events are told but with sometimes a dramatically different spin on the events. How wildly divergent the stories are has become known in legal and film circles as the 'Rashomon' effect.

Of course, it's been proven in study after study now that eyewitness accounts of an event of even unrelated observers is unreliable by itself.

I'll leave it at that so that you can enjoy it.

<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Loh : <<<-- Originally posted by Paul Sedillo : <<<--
Have you see Rashomon? I have not had a chance to catch it and have heard great things about it. -->>>

Of course, it's been proven in study after study now that eyewitness accounts of an event of even unrelated observers is unreliable by itself.

I'll leave it at that so that you can enjoy it. -->>>

OK - I have ordered the DVD...it will be here next week.

Thanks for posting a brief description about Rashomon.

<<<-- Originally posted by DocuWild : For the record, Re:
And Keith, thanx for giving me some more Kurosawa dvd's to hunt =)

/Henrik -->>>

Of the ones I listed in North America you will only be able to find legal DVDs of IKURU and HIGH AND LOW (both Criterion).

I was able to find Chinatown ripoffs (Mei Ah distributors) of almost everything else. However, the quality of the image and the subtitling are awful. The character names, for example, have been changed to Chinese names.

The copy of STRAY DOG that I have has very funny subtitling. In one scene the detectives are investigating the character of a hotel employee and are questioning the manager. The manager says of the employee's work habits: "This employee is very erotic." To which one of the detectives replies: "Oh? Doesn't he come every day?"

<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Loh : <<<-- Originally posted by DocuWild : MM.. favourite movies/directors...
Akira Kurosawa - The master, what can i say. He almost (re)wrote the book on dramatic storytelling. Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Ran, Yojimbo, Sanjuro. All schoolbook examples of how to tell a compelling and action packed story.
/Henrik -->>>

My favourite director of all time. Not only did he direct lavish samurai pictures such as the ones you mentioned but he also directed some of the best pictures set in the post-war Japanese period. IKURU is one of the finest movies ever made and really one of the most meaningful films to me. It's always a toss up to me which is the best picture, RASHOMON or IKURU.

I love RASHOMON and all of the others but

I first saw IKURU many years ago. It was the first Japanese film I ever saw that brought me to tears. Takashi Shimura was superb and, of course, Kurosawa used him in a number of films. Donald Richie has much to say about Kurosawa (and Takashi), as do others, but Takashi in the swing at the end of the film still stays in my mind. You don't have to understand Japanese to understand that scene.
Sandy

Takashi Shimamura on the swing
 

Absolutely, that scene is one of the most enduring in cinema.

Kurosawa really has excellent endings in his films.

DRUNKEN ANGEL - the climbing crane shot after the Toshiro Mifune character has burst out of the door and dangles on the balcony.

The blind brother of Sue in RAN tapping cautiously at the edge of the cliff.

The bodies floating down the red river after the battle of Nagashino in KAGEMUSHA.

The crazed lord being peppered by dozens of arrows in THRONE OF BLOOD.

The kidnapper screaming his frustration at the rich industrialist in HIGH AND LOW.

The Seventh Seal by Ingmar Bergman

Possibly my favorite film. Regarded by many as the finest film ever made. Certainly Berman's finest. Who else could have a medieval knight (a young Max von Sydow) playing chess with Death. Filmed in B & W, it's the story of a knight journeying through Europe during the Black Plague. It can be very depressing because of the subject matter, but if you look deeper it gives a message of hope through faith. Death can be seen as a joy because of the release from suffering.

Even if you watch it just for the technical aspects you'll enjoy it. Berman's use of B & W and control of the light and shadows is amazing. Beautifully photographed and easy to see why it's considered Berman's finest.

Jeff

Yes, the SEVENTH SEAL is another classic and I'm proud to own the excellent Criterion DVD. Anyone who collects DVDs will be astounded by the quality of the B/W transfer on this one.

I like repeating the story of the end shot of the SEVENTH SEAL which everyone thinks of when the film is mentioned. This is the shot of the travellers being lead, hands linked, by Death on the ridge while the light breaks through the clouds above them. This classic shot was actually hurriedly composed by Bergman and unplanned. They saw the light and the scene and quickly crafted that now enduring image. Lovely.

I've screencapped that shot here:
http://www.keithloh.com/video/screencap/films/seventhseal.jpg

My most recent favorites over the past couple of years are:

What Lies Beaneath
The Mothman Prophecies
Dragonfly
Panic Room
John Q
The Glass House
The Sixth Sense

There are more. When I think of them I'll post them.

Favorite Movie
 

That's a tough one. For me, it's like asking, who's your favorite: your wife, your mother, your kids, your mother-in-law . . . well, maybe we'll just stop with the kids.

Recently (last two years or so) :

Road to Perdition (which I think is/was the best movie so far this year, IMHO)
Sixth Sense
Billy Elliot (which I found extremely entertaining)
Both Harry Potter Movies (but I'm a HP fan, so . . .)
Saving Private Ryan (reminded me of my dad - he was in the 101st)

Of the older 'classics' that I will force myself to watch, over and over . . .

(Especially around this time of the year) White Christmas - it has campy humour, good songs, middle school conflict and a happy ending!
Rio Bravo (I really like westerns - and Walter Brennan should have won the best supporting Oscar here - maybe he did - also great song, 'My Pony, My Rifle and Me')
The Searchers (John Wayne at his MEANEST - did I mention I like westerns?)
Witness for the Prosecution (I also like court-room dramas)
Twelve Angry Men (One of my favorites!). I read that they shot most of it to look crowded, hot and uncomfortable. Good job too.

I'm sure there are dozens of other films, but I'm drawing a blank! It's 15 minutes before lunch and my mind is elsewhere!

Re: Favorite Movie
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Moore : That's a tough one. For The Searchers (John Wayne at his MEANEST - did I mention I like westerns?)
-->>>

I think Wayne was his meanest in RED RIVER.

You might be right there. But I liked THE SEARCHERS better than RR!

Re: Favorite Movie
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Moore : Road to Perdition (which I think is/was the best movie so far this year, IMHO)

-->>>

I could not agree more. If Paul Newman does not get Best Supporting Actor from the Academy, it would be a HUGE injustice. IMHO it was his best work ever.

I liked all aspects of this movie: the music (I love the soundtrack!), the lighting, the camera work, all of the actors' work, the DP (Conrad Hall). I guess since it was (IMHO) a slow spring/summer for decent movies, this one just slammed me against the wall. I even like the website (www.roadtoperdition.com ). It has the complete soundtrack listed (though you can't 'save' it, it's there for listening pleasure!

I thought Hanks turned in a great performance (as well as Newman) and Tyler Hoechlein (sp? - the son) did a great job too.

This is great board to post to, as most people are very tolerant of varying opinions, but most "movie boards" blather on about obscure indies, etc. I think some of that work is good too, but they are less tolerant of more main-stream cinema.

I know I'll run a bit of a risk stating this, but I think Hanks is one of the best actors out there today (which could be an unpopular opinion), but it's mine none-the-less! I hope this movie (without yet seeing any of the other Oscar potentials) wins many awards!

No doubt that Hanks is one of the top actors at it today. There was a great article in American Cinematographer that talked with Conard Hall about the movie. A great read if you have not seen it.

Edward Norton is another cat who is off the charts. He has been delivering since he hit the scene.

I like EN also. I think the first time I saw him (at least the first time I remember him) was with Richard Gere in a movie that escapes me. Was it PRIMAL FEAR? I can't remember.

I read the book also. It was about a teenage boy who was on trial for the murder of a priest/preacher and Gere was the lawyer who gets him off (found innocent!).

I thought he was really good in that. He was also good in American X and that 'heist' movie with DeNiro - that name escapes me also.

One of my favorite shows to watch is INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO. I've seen Hanks on that (as well as many others). I would like to see Edward Norton interviewed (if he hasn't been already).

I think my favorite interview on that show was Ron Howard (another personal favorite).

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Moore : One of my favorite shows to watch is INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO. I've seen Hanks on that (as well as many others). I would like to see Edward Norton interviewed (if he hasn't been already).
-->>>

Who carries this program, I have not heard of it.

It's carried on BRAVO and there lineup is

60 min. ¥ 11/23/02 7:00 PM
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford lends insight into his life and craft in a candid interview with host James Lipton.

60 min. ¥ 11/24/02 11:00 AM
Robert De Niro
Acting, says Robert De Niro, is Ònot about neuroses or playing on your neuroses. It's about character.Ó

60 min. ¥ 11/24/02 8:00 PM
Pierce Brosnan
Clips from ÒGoldenEyeÓ and ÒThe Thomas Crown AffairÓ complement an interview with Pierce Brosnan, who discusses playing James Bond and his work on TV's ÒRemington SteeleÓ (ÒI kind of just played myself,Ó he says of the Steele role). Also: Brosnan reflects on his childhood in Ireland and England. James Lipton hosts.

60 min. ¥ 11/30/02 7:00 PM
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep talks about her career, including a pivotal performance in drama class at Vassar; and helping write her lines for the courtroom scene in "Kramer vs. Kramer." Also: her films "Sophie's Choice," "Out of Africa," "Dancing at Lughnasa."

60 min. ¥ 12/1/02 11:00 AM
Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid, star of ÒGreat Balls of FireÓ and ÒThe Right Stuff,Ó discusses his life and craft in an interview with host James Lipton.

60 min. ¥ 12/1/02 8:00 PM
Richard Gere
Richard Gere, star of ÒAn Officer and a GentlemanÓ and ÒPretty Woman,Ó discusses his ascent to silver-screen stardom with host James Lipton.

60 min. ¥ 12/1/02 11:00 PM
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant, star of ÒNotting HillÓ and ÒFour Weddings and a Funeral,Ó sheds light on his life, craft and career in an interview with host James Lipton.

Some of the shows repeat so check you local listings.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I've seen the Quaid, Ford and Gere shows, but not the others. Thanks for the info.

I've watched many actors on this show and have a pre-conceived notion on each one before seeing them. Then as I am watching, I usually find out that I'm way off base in my opinions . . . most of the time!

OK, in no order......

12 Angry men
The Italian Job
In the heat of the night
Dr Strangelove
A lion in winter
Zulu
El Cid
The Searchers
10 Rillington Place
The Elephant Man
Schindlers List
Gregory's Girl

A few have been listed by others.

I tried to list my favorite films recently and it was impossible to stop..the list just kept growing and growing.

Lately, though...I've been in a "study mode"...watching or re-watching movies that I've loved. Here are a few:

Some Girls
Very stylized...nice symbolism used...and overall rather poetic.

Local Hero
Low key...but loaded with dry humor. Also makes you reflect on what's important in life.

Harold and Maude
If you've never seen this film, you need to drop whatever you're doing and go rent it.

Barry Lyndon
One of the very first movies filmed with all natural lighting, if I remember correctly. Kubrick wanted the lighting to appear as it would have during that period, so I believe they had to come up with some new technology at that time to pull it off. I love the "rambling" nature of the film...and have had a crush on Marisa Berenson ever since I first saw it.

This list could go on and on, too. Guess I've been watching more than I realized.

Thanks to the gentleman who posted IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT. I forgot that one, as well TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and the original CAPE FEAR!

Uzumaki
Spirited Away (Japanese Anime)
Count of Monte Cristo (most recent adaptation)

I like these movies because they're engaging because the story lines are told well. Except for Uzumaki there are very few special effects.

Uzumaki - Interesting and very odd story line, kinda like a creepy japanese twilight zone, looks low budget but keeps you engaged.

Spirited Away - Lovely animation, watch it in a movie house and you'll really appreciate the artistry. The story line keeps you engaged ... a bit long but not too long. One reviewer called it "like a Japanese Alice in Wonderland but not"

I really enjoyed the latest adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo beautiful imagery and one of the best adapted story lines - the great thing is that there is almost no "action" in the whole movie it moves along at a "slow" pace but engages you with all the emotional imagery. I thought it was just great, a "real" movie which I haven't experienced in a long time.

Agreed on SPIRITED AWAY. A real shame that it wasn't promoted well by Disney but that's par for the course. Disney just let MONONOKE HIME die in North America as well.

I thought COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO was passable. It moved along well and it had some high points, such as when he returns as the count to impress everyone with his riches. However, the sword fighting was a real let down and his confrontation with his friend pretty stale.

Just saw two more last night that need to go on the list:

The Last Picture Show
Summer of 42