The Hidden Fortress (1959)

About The Hidden Fortress

"The Hidden Fortress" is a 1959 film directed by world-renowned Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The film is set in the Sengoku period of Japanese history and tells the tale of a ronin and a princess trying to evade enemy lines.

The plot follows two greedy peasants, Tahei and Matashichi, who stumble upon the eponymous "Hidden Fortress," aligning themselves out of greed with a warlord and a man they think is a general from the defeated Akizuki clan, who is actually a criminal posing. The story unfolds as they transport a large amount of gold through enemy territory, led by the real General Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), who is set on protecting Princess Yuki.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Akira Kurosawa, one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. The film was produced by Toho Company Ltd—a film, theater production, and distribution company based in Japan. It is best remembered for its use of widescreen cinematography, especially the innovative use of the then-new widescreen Tohoscope aspect ratio.

Actors

• Toshiro Mifune as General Rokurota Makabe - Mifune delivered a strong and dominant performance as a general who is tough but caring.
• Misa Uehara as Princess Yuki - Uehara portrayed the strong will and courage of Princess Yuki admirably, giving a humanizing touch to the character.
• Minoru Chiaki as Tahei - Chiaki brilliantly portrayed the comic character Tahei who also had his tender moments.
• Kamatari Fujiwara as Matashichi - Fujiwara played the greedy and cowardly Matashichi, offering plenty of comedic relief throughout the movie.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film served as a major influence for George Lucas' Star Wars saga.
• The movie was the first to use Tohoscope, an anamorphic lens system that was the Japanese equivalent to the US CinemaScope.
• The film has been adapted multiple times, including a 2008 version that was helmed by Shinji Higuchi.

Awards

The film received the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 9th Berlin International Film Festival in 1959, further solidifying Akira Kurosawa's international fame.

Quotes

• "Cheer up! Man is a creature who makes miracles."
• "Even the mighty eagle comes down from the mountain for food."
• "There's no such thing as peace without money."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by the talented Masaru Sato, a frequent collaborator of Kurosawa.
• The music has been lauded for its dynamic and dramatic flair, fitting perfectly with the adventurous theme of the movie.
• Some key tracks from the OST are "Main Title", "Hayakawa's Squadron", and "Fortress Under Attack."