Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

96% Tomatometer 93 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings

At the age of seventy, after years of consolidating his empire, the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) decides to abdicate and divide his domain amongst his three sons. Taro (Akira Terao), the eldest, will rule. Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), his second son, and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu) will take command of the Second and Third Castles but are expected to obey and support their elder brother. Saburo defies the pledge of obedience and is banished.

Ran

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Akira Kurosawa's sprawling, epic take on King Lear should be required viewing for fans of westerns, war movies, or period films in general.

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Critics Reviews

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Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (1) David Robinson Times (UK) Ran takes film spectacle to new heights. Kurosawa continues not only to extend his own powers but to exploit new technical advances. Jan 29, 2020 Full Review Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Nigel Andrews Financial Times There is not a wasted second. [Here] is proof of what we seldom doubted: Kurosawa is a director who becomes godlike rather than gaga in old age. Jan 29, 2020 Full Review Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Paul Attanasio Washington Post Kurosawa may not be Shakespeare, but with images like these, he gets at something about the horror -- and hopelessness -- of being a man that is peculiarly his own. Jan 3, 2018 Full Review Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Ross McIndoe The Skinny Rereleased by StudioCanal to celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, his breathtaking adaptation of King Lear proves, so far at least, to be as immune to the effects of time as the original Rated: 5/5 Jul 4, 2024 Full Review Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Panos Kotzathanasis Asian Movie Pulse “Ran” stands as a cross-cultural testament to timeless storytelling, where Kurosawa's indomitable spirit shapes a profound meditation on power, chaos, and the enduring resonance of Shakespearean influence. Rated: 9 Mar 3, 2024 Full Review Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Kurosawa is not merely true to Shakespeare’s story, he brings scenes alive with a cultural twist and a visual mastery... Aug 19, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Spencer Nielsen In the same breath one of the most beautiful and bleak spectacles ever filmed. Kurosawa once again gives evidence for being one of the all-time masters of the art. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/31/24 Full Review Koustav P Masterpiece. Impossible to forget. Best production and costume design in cinema history. Makes modern day CGI fest look like slop. Film of this caliber will never be made again. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/28/24 Full Review Nikki H Very well done and moving. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/04/24 Full Review Daniel N From the story full of meaning to the wonderful landscapes along with the colors and epic costume design, makes ‘Ran' an enjoyable film to watch until these days. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/02/24 Full Review Lars N Ran is epic storytelling with breathtaking cinematography. While its runtime may be daunting for some, the overall experience is richly rewarding. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/07/24 Full Review Nicolas D Ran is an absolute masterpiece when it comes to storytelling centered around revenge. This film flawlessly captures the essence of vengeance, weaving a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are brilliantly portrayed, drawing you into their world of intrigue and payback. The plot is a finely crafted web of suspense and retribution, leaving no loose ends and providing a satisfying resolution. Every element, from the direction to the performances, is top-notch. Ran is a perfect example of how revenge can be a compelling and thought-provoking theme in cinema. It's a must-watch, and I'd give it five stars without hesitation. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Akira Kurosawa Director Tatsuya Nakadai Lord Hidetora Ichimonji Mieko Harada Lady Kaede Akira Terao Taro Takatora Ichimonji Jinpachi Nezu Jiro Masatora Ichimonji Daisuke Ryu Saburo Naotora Ichimonji
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Ran

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Synopsis At the age of seventy, after years of consolidating his empire, the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) decides to abdicate and divide his domain amongst his three sons. Taro (Akira Terao), the eldest, will rule. Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), his second son, and Saburo (Daisuke Ryu) will take command of the Second and Third Castles but are expected to obey and support their elder brother. Saburo defies the pledge of obedience and is banished.

Director
Akira Kurosawa

Producer
Masato Hara, Serge Silberman

Screenwriter
Masato Ide, Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni, William Shakespeare

Distributor
Orion Pictures

Production Co
Nippon Herald Films, Greenwich Film Productions, Herald Ace

Rating
R

Genre
History, Drama

Original Language
Japanese

Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 1, 1985, Original

Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Feb 26, 2016

Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 29, 2011

Box Office (Gross USA)
$454.0K

Runtime
2h 40m

Sound Mix
Magnetic Stereo 4 Track, Dolby Stereo, Surround

Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
Ran | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)
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