‘The Hidden Fortress’: Akira Kurosawa’s Unusual Quest Film

Acclaimed actor Toshiro Mifune’s character saves a princess and keeps two fools from stealing gold.
‘The Hidden Fortress’: Akira Kurosawa’s Unusual Quest Film
Gen. Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), in “The Hidden Fortress.” Toho
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NR | 2h 6m | Action Epic, Adventure, Drama | 1960

Acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa is most often associated with rain-soaked duels, the samurai’s code, or sweeping tales of honor. But his epic adventure film, “The Hidden Fortress” (1960), begins with something else entirely: two bickering fools wandering through the ashes of war, squabbling over petty matters and their constant misfortune.

Ian Kane
Ian Kane
Author
Ian Kane is an U.S. Army veteran, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.