‘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.

Gen. Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), in “The Hidden Fortress.” Toho

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.