Akira Kurosawa's 1985 Epic 'Ran' Ranked Among the Best Movies of All Time

Nina DerwinMon, April 27, 2026 at 11:23 PM UTC

0

In 1985, one of cinema's most legendary directors released a sweeping epic that would resonate around the world.

Ran, directed by Akira Kurosawa, has since been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its place as a landmark in global film history.

Inspired by William Shakespeare's King Lear, Ran tells the story of an aging warlord who divides his kingdom among his sons only to watch as betrayal, ambition and violence tear his empire apart. The film unfolds as a tragic exploration of power, family and the devastating consequences of human pride.

"I had the idea of writing something about the sixteenth-century Japanese warlord Mori Motonari, who had three sons," said Kurosawa in a 1986 interview. "And, having written an outline of the script, it suddenly occurred to me that it was very similar to King Lear, so I went back and read that again, and developed it from that point. Motonari had three very good and loyal sons, so I started thinking about what would have happened if they hadn’t been loyal, and developed a fiction around the actual character."

Known for its breathtaking visuals, Ran stands out for its incredible battle sequences and vivid use of color, with Kurosawa crafting scenes that feel both operatic and deeply personal. The film's scope and artistry marked a triumphant late-career achievement for the director, who had already influenced generations of filmmakers.

Despite being produced late in Kurosawa's career, Ran became a major international success, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. It ultimately won the Oscar for Best Costume Design, further highlighting its visual brilliance.

Advertisement

The film's global reception helped solidify Kurosawa's reputation as one of the greatest directors and auteurs of all time, bringing his work to new audiences beyond Japan.

Decades later, Ran continues to be studied and celebrated for its storytelling, visual innovation and emotional depth.

"'How did Lear acquire the power that, as an old man, he abuses with such disastrous effects? Without knowing his past, I've never really understood the ferocity of his daughters' response to Lear's feeble attempts to shed his royal power," Kurosawa told The New York Times in 1985. "In Ran I've tried to give Lear a history. I try to make clear that his power must rest upon a lifetime of bloodthirsty savagery. Forced to confront the consequences of his misdeeds, he is driven mad. But only by confronting his evil head on can he transcend it and begin to struggle again toward virtue.''

With its inclusion among the best movies of all time, the film stands as a timeless classic that proves Kurosawa's vision only grew more powerful with time.

Related: 1996 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’ Won Major Oscar Award

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”