Rashomon: Gate of the Dragon

In the link provided, Ivana Redwine gives a review of Rashomon, another film by Akira Kurosawa. In this film, authorities attempt to discover the truth about a recent murder. However, all three witnesses (including the murdered Samurai) all tell different stories about what happened, each trying to make themselves look better. Redwine says that to her the story is "about how differently people perceive the same external event." Akira tells a tale about human nature and their problems. The first scene shows Rashomon (a gate in Kyoto) destroyed with debris and dead men everywhere. It is Akira's metaphor for the story as a whole. Of course the story doesn't only deal with the fall backs of humans but ends in an inspiring fashion. Rashomon has been claimed to be the one of the best Japanese films of all time and is widely known and popular.

Post-Occupation Japan

Ran, directed by Akira Kurosawa, was filmed in 1985. This period in Japanese History is known as Post-Occupation since the American occupation had recently ended in 1952. The article from Wikipedia explains that by the 1980's, the Japanese economy became incredibly strong again, and was a main contender with the USA, causing a strained relationship. Japan had also become a major supplier of arms to the United Nations during the Korean War and despite its agreement never to have an army again since WWII, Japan had built a Self-Defense Force. This was with strong encouragement from the United States due to the growing tensions of the Cold War with The Soviet Union. The period, though prosperous for Japan, is marked with increasing tensions between many different nations.

Death in Kurosawa's "Ran"

In this critical article, Zvika Serper argues that Kurosawa, the director of Ran, depicts the murders of two characters in a contrasting but yet harmonious way. Lady Sue, who is beheaded by the agents of Kaede, is innocent and is therefore presented in an honorable fashion according to Japanese theater. Kaede on the other hand has destroyed the house of Ichimonji and killed Lady Sue and therefore is beheaded ruthlessly the scene following Lady Sue's death. Kaede's death however is presented in a dishonorable fashion with blood spurting and taking up the scene. Serper concludes that the depiction of death in Ran allows the movie to represent Japanese theater and culture.