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Throne Of Blood [1957]
![Throne Of Blood [1957]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51THBEET5YL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
A champion of illumination and experimental shading, Kurosawa brings his unerring eye for indelible images to Shakespeare in this 1957 adaptation of Macbeth. By changing the locale from Birnam Wood to 16th-century Japan, Kurosawa makes an oddball argument for the trans-historicity of Shakespeare's narrative; and indeed, stripped to the bare mechanics of the plot, the tale of cut-throat ambition rewarded (and thwarted) feels infinitely adaptable. What's lost in the translation, of course, is the force and beauty of the language--much of the script of Throne of Blood is maddeningly repetitive or superfluous--but striking visual images (including the surreal Cobweb Forest and some extremely artful gore) replace the sublime poetry. Toshiro Mifune is theatrically intense as Washizu, the samurai fated to betray his friend and master in exchange for the prestige of nobility; he portrays the ill-fated warrior with a passion bordering on violence, and a barely concealed conviviality. Somewhat less successful is Isuzu Yamada as Washizu's scheming wife; her poise and creepy impassivity, chilling at first, soon grows tedious. Kurosawa himself is the star of the show, though, and his masterful use of black-and-white contrast--not to mention his steady, dramatic hand with a battle scene--keeps the proceedings thrilling. A must-see for fans of Japanese cinema, as well as all you devotees of samurai weapons and armour. --Miles Bethany
Historic cinema, but tough for modern film fans
Review date: 2007-10-17 Rating: 8 out of 10
You may wonder about renting or buying Throne of Blood because you've heard so much about the films of Akira Kurosawa -- most notably the Seven Samurai, which Hollywood re-created as The Magnificent Samurai. If so, then you should be prepared for a very different style of film-making; much more slowly paced than modern movies. In fact it's more like a play acted out on a fixed stage, with scene changes.
There are some fabulously stylish cinematic moments here, and for fans of Mifune or Kurosawa than it's a must-see. The story parallels Macbeth in the rise to power of a weak man manipulated by his scheming wife, with much scheming and plotting and murdering.
However, some viewers will find that it's just too leisurely in its pace, and that some of the scenes are too drawn out. The 'horses gallop past again' moment does tend to get a bit jaded on repeat watching!
Fascinating viewing for cinema buffs; otherwise it may just leave you mistified.
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Reviews
Stylish, surreal, and chilling
Review date: 2004-06-26 Rating: 10 out of 10
Throne of Blood is one of those Shakespeare adaptations which is not a simple retelling but a superb Japanese story of the lust for power and the rewards it reaps. Kurosawa was inspired by Noh theatre, hence some of the make up and scenes. His use of black and white imagery is strong in this film - he really is the master. Of course, the best scene remains Toshiro Mifune in his castle being attacked, with arrows flying into the wall right beside him. Look close - that's real fear. Kurosawa had champion archers firing real arrows at poor old Mifune. All in the name of good cinema.
A Kurosawa Classic
Review date: 2003-12-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
A great deal has been made of the fact that THRONE OF BLOOD (also known as SPIDER'S WEB CASTLE) is drawn from one of Shakespeare's most celebrated plays. This is both a blessing and a curse, for while it gives western audiences a point of reference, it also invites all sorts of comparisons that viewers familiar with the Shakespeare play feel honor-bound to make--and that can get in the way of seeing the film as it is rather than what we expect it to be. And that would be a great pity, because what it is in and of itself is quite fine indeed.
The cast is a very strong ensemble, with frequent Kurosawa star Torshiro Mifune leading the film with a remarkably fine performance as the ambitious warrior Taketori Washizu. To my mind, however, the most memorable performance is offered by Isuzu Yamada as Lady Washizu--who plays the role with a demonic stillness that cracks into physical action only when she is completely sure of herself or in utter desperation. It is one of the most disturbing characterizations I have ever encountered.
As usual in any Kurosawa film, the imagery involved is extremely powerful, and the moody tone of the film quickly draws viewers in--and once ensnared there is no escape; the film holds your attention with considerable ease throughout. Even so, I would not recommend THRONE OF BLOOD to western audiences who have never seen a Kurosawa film, for it is so completely Japanese in aesthetic that some may find it hard to grasp. It is best seen after you are already familiar with both Kurosawa's work and Japanese cinema in general.
The Criterion DVD is quite good, with a nicely restored transfer and bonus features that include the original trailer, a choice of subtitle translations (I prefer the Hoagland translation), and a somewhat awkward but ultimately rewarding commentary track by Michael Jeck. If you're a Kurosawa fan and you've never seen THRONE OF BLOOD, this is your opportunity; if you're looking to replace an existing video with a DVD, this one is likely as good as it gets. Strongly recommended.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
"THE FOREST IS MOVING"
Review date: 2001-11-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
Kurosawa has never failed to impress me and this is yet again pure genius.
Mifune is as ever showing how to be a great actor and for me the best ever so far.
The techniques and style adopted into the making of this masterpiece are executed with such force, proves that this is the best ever rendition of Macbeth. And as if that wasn't enough we are treated to perhaps the most tense 5 minutes ever filmed in cinema history. The last moments of this film are breath-taking. A scene that should be hailed as one of the greatest ever filmed. it is just pure genius.
Reinterpretation of Macbeth in terms of Medieval Japan
Review date: 2000-09-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
A brilliant retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth in terms of Medieval Japan. Kurosawa manages to sort out Shakespeare's plotting (which is famously dodgy in the case of Lady Macbeth), with a shocking and psychologically credible twist. Closer to the inspirational play than Ran is to King Lear, but not much. A must for those with the patience to travel to this culturally and chronologically distant setting. The pace is rather slow.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Isuzu Yamada
Minoru Chiaki
Akira Kubo
Takashi Shimura
Toshirô Mifune
Creators:
Toshirô Mifune (Primary Contributor)
Minoru Chiaki (Primary Contributor)
Akira Kurosawa (Producer)
Akira Kurosawa (Writer)
Sojiro Motoki (Producer)
Hideo Oguni (Writer)
Ryuzo Kikushima (Writer)
Shinobu Hashimoto (Writer)
William Shakespeare (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Bfi Video
Manufacturer: Bfi Video
EAN: 5035673005330
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2001-10-22
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1961-11-22
Language: Japanese (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitled)