By Jacob Cameron 

The Hidden Fortress has a reputation nowadays of being one of the primary influences for a little film called “Star Wars.” Upon watching the film, I definitely see the parallels between the films. Along with the influences that would influence George Lucas. While this film is undoubtedly influential, it is also a great film in its own right. It’s not my overall favorite of Kurosawa’s films, but it’s still a great one.

The Hidden Fortress tells the story of two peasants named Tahei and Matasichi, played by Minoru Chiaki and Kamatari Fujiwara, respectively. The two have sold everything they own in order to make an even bigger fortune as soldiers in the Yamada clan. The Yamada clan finds them and mistakes them for the defeated Akizuki Clan. The two find a piece of gold hidden in a stick; the gold belonging to what remains of the Akizuki clan. Ultimately, the two are found by Akizuki General Makabe Rokurōta and Princess Yuki, played by Toshiro Mifune and Misa Uehara, and tasked with taking the rest of the gold to the protection of the Hayakawa clan.

Among the more notable facts surrounding this film is that this was the first film Kurosawa ever shot in widescreen. This was pushed by Toho as “Tohovision.” Despite the change in aspect ratio, this is still a beautiful film to watch. Similar to Stray Dog, Kurosawa captures how sweltering the weather is throughout the film. The film was, once again, shot on the slopes of Mt. Fuji. The landscape is almost a character in its own right.

Toshiro Mifune shows his greatness yet again. His chemistry with Misa Uehara was well done. The two represent a clan that was once noble but has since been nearly driven to extinction; similar to the Jedi Order in Star Wars. Rokoruta is the steady hand that guides the group through spear fights and road blocks aplenty. Mifune, as Rokurota never loses sight of his mission despite the shenanigans of the peasants. 

The two peasants, Tahei and Matasichi, are the main characters, and the story is told from their perspective. At first, there was a concern that they would be annoying and unlikely. They do indeed do some questionable things, but they ultimately come through in the end. In fact, these two characters as the eyes in was a good move. As they are the window into a very dangerous world.

As previously mentioned, this is one of the many influences that George Lucas brought to the table when making Star Wars. Lucas’ respect for Kurosawa is well documented. There are many homages to Hidden Fortress in A New Hope. The spear fight is pretty much a lightsaber duel. And the two peasants walked so R2-D2 and C-3PO could run. But if Lucas has to draw inspiration from something, he could’ve done worse.

At the end of the day, this is Kurosawa’s take on an adventure film, and it’s a great time. I would hesitate to say it’s my overall favorite of Kurosawa’s films. It’s still got a trademark quality that only Kurosawa was capable of at this time.

5 stars