Akira Kurosawa Masterpiece Collection 2

SIX MASTERPIECES BY AKIRA KUROSAWA, DIGITALLY RESTORED!

Giants like Spielberg, Scorsese, Coppola and Lucas have all been inspired by Master Kurosawa. During his 52-year career, he created a string of groundbreaking films – across many genres. In this box set, we meet a man trying to find meaning in life in IKIRU – TO LIVE (1952), one of his most beloved films. In both the Ed McBain thriller HEAVEN AND HELL (1963) and REDBEARD (1965), we are fascinated by Kurosawa's (and many others') favorite actor Toshiro Mifune. In DODES'KA-DEN (1970), we are transported to the Japanese slums in his most unusual film, Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Finally, we are shaken by Kurosawa's two most spectacular war epics – the Palme d'Or winner KAGEMUSHA (1980), produced by his disciples Coppola and Lucas, and the Oscar-winning RAN (1985), the most expensive film in Japanese history.

RAN (1985). In 16th century Japan, Hidetora Ichimonji is one of the most powerful clan leaders. A position he has achieved through plunder and murder. Now he is old and hands over power to his sons Taro, Jiro and Sabura. In doing so, he hopes to end the violence. But instead, it turns out to be just the opposite… Kurosawa's last truly grand film, based on Shakespeare's "King Lear", which in 1985 was by far the most expensive film in Japanese history. Winner of an Oscar (Best Costumes) and nominated for three more (Director, Cinematographer, Production Designer).

KAGEMUSHA – THE GHOST GENERAL (1980). During the 1570s, the Japanese clans fight for supremacy. The feudal lord Shingen Takeda hires a thief as his double to be used to deceive the enemy. When Shingen dies, the thief is allowed to take his place so that the enemy will still believe that he is alive. The vassals have ordered that he should be in service for the next three years, but the double has completely different plans… Produced by the big Kurosawa fans Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. Awarded the Palme d'Or at Cannes and nominated for two Oscars (Best Foreign Language Film and Best Production Design).

DODES'KA-DEN (1970). Perhaps Kurosawa's most unusual film, set in the slums of Tokyo and following, among other things, a young man with intellectual disabilities who loves trams and constantly imitates their sound (which, according to him, sounds like "Dodes'ka-den"). Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.

REDBEARD (1965). In the 1820s, a young, ill-tempered physician arrives in a country town to begin his practice. With increasing anger, he realizes that he is not supposed to be in a fine private practice at all, but instead is placed in a general hospital to take care of poor patients. Kurosawa's last film with Toshiro Mifune. After constant arguments, they decide to go their separate ways.

HEAVEN AND HELL (1963). Toshiro Mifune in a powerful film adaptation of the Ed McBain detective story "The Threat" from 1959. Wealthy businessman Kingo Gondo learns that his son has been kidnapped and prepares to pay the ransom. But it soon turns out that the kidnappers have taken the wrong child. They have accidentally taken the driver's son. Will Gondo still pay the ransom?

IKIRU – TO LIVE (1952). An aging bureaucrat tries to find meaning in life after learning that he has incurable cancer. One of Kurosawa's most beloved films. Awarded the Special Jury Prize in Berlin.