StudioCanal has announced that Akira Kurosawa’s Oscar- and BAFTA-winning Ran will return to UK cinemas on June 27 to mark the 40th anniversary of the master filmmaker’s final film, with an exclusive 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition available to own from July 21.
Ran (which translates as ‘turmoil’) is Akira Kurosawa’s profound exploration of Shakespeare’s King Lear, intertwined with the historical backdrop of Japan’s 16th-century Civil Wars and the legendary tale of Morikawa, a feudal warlord with three sons. Kurosawa’s final film was immediately recognised as a masterpiece upon its release and garnered numerous awards, including the Oscar for Best Costume Design and BAFTA Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Makeup.
Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai – Yojimbo, Kagemusha) is an ageing warlord who, after spending his life consolidating his empire, decides to abdicate and divide his kingdom amongst his three sons, Taro (Akira Terao – Letter from the Mountain, Dreams), Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu – The Man in White, Red Shadow: Akakage) and Saburo (Daisuke Ryû – Tono monogatari, Gojo reisenki: Gojoe).
When Hidetora’s youngest son Saburo voices concerns about the wisdom of his father’s plan, claiming that treachery within the family will be inevitable, Hidetora mistakes these comments for a threat and banishes him. This allows Taro and Jiro to seize power unopposed, leading to a brutal, bloody struggle for absolute control.
Majestic in scope, Ran is a profound examination of the folly of war and the crumbling of one family under the weight of betrayal, greed and the insatiable thirst for power.
The special four-disc edition includes extra material, including the breathtaking soundtrack composed by Tôru Takemitsu (Harakiri) and a 100-page booklet. In addition, StudioCanal has commissioned acclaimed artist Sterling Hundley to create stunning new artwork for the film’s anniversary release, paying homage to its iconic visuals through Hundley’s distinct style. You can pre-order the collector’s set now by following the link.
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