Alright, folks, Mike here, back with another dose of cinematic truth. Today, we’re diving into the world of Akira Kurosawa, a director whose name alone should command respect, but respect doesn’t always equal a good time, does it? We’re pitting two of his later works against each other: 1985’s epic Ran, and 1990’s more surreal Dreams. Both are Kurosawa, but they’re as different as a good steak and a plate of burnt toast. Let’s see which one deserves your precious viewing time.
Let’s start with the meat of the matter: the story. Ran, inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear, is a sprawling tale of an aging warlord who foolishly divides his kingdom among his three sons. It’s a classic tragedy, full of betrayal, ambition, and bloody battles. It’s got everything a good epic should: scale, scope, and a whole lot of people dying. It’s Shakespeare, with samurai, and if that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will. Then there’s Dreams. Now, this one is a different beast altogether. It’s a series of eight vignettes, each a dream Kurosawa himself had. We’re talking about a fox wedding, a nuclear meltdown, and a Vincent van Gogh encounter. It’s like flipping through a surrealist art book with moving images. I have to admit, the concept is intriguing, but the execution is uneven. Ran‘s plot is straightforward, a classic story told on a grand scale. Dreams, however, is all over the place. It’s like a cinematic Rorschach test. You might love it, you might scratch your head, and you might just fall asleep, I know, it happened to me.
As for characters, Ran gives us a cast of complex, flawed individuals. Tatsuya Nakadai as the warlord, Hidetora, is a force of nature. You see the madness creeping into his eyes, the regret in his every move. The sons, too, are well-developed, each with their own motivations and demons. You’re invested in their downfall, even if you hate them. Dreams, on the other hand, is more about archetypes than characters. The figures are fleeting, often symbolic, and rarely memorable. The actors do their best, but they’re mostly there to illustrate Kurosawa’s dreamscapes. You don’t get to know them, you just watch them play their part in the director’s vision. I prefer characters I can sink my teeth into, not just vague figures in a dream. Ran’s characters are unforgettable, they have a weight, a gravity, while Dreams’ characters are like ghosts, they come and go leaving little impact.
Now, let’s talk about the direction and cinematography. Ran is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Kurosawa uses wide shots and slow zooms to show the epic scale of the battles, and close-ups to capture the raw emotion of his characters. The use of color is striking, almost theatrical. The costumes, the sets, everything is meticulously crafted. It’s a visual feast, and every shot is intentional. It’s like watching a painting come to life. Dreams is also visually impressive, but in a very different way. Kurosawa experiments with different styles, from the vibrant colors of the Van Gogh sequence to the stark, desolate landscapes of the nuclear meltdown dream. It’s beautiful, no doubt, but it can feel like a series of beautiful postcards strung together. The direction in Ran is focused, powerful, while Dreams is more experimental, like Kurosawa wanted to show off his visual skills. In my book, Ran has the upper hand in making the direction complement the story.
The editing and pacing is where things get interesting. Ran is a long movie, clocking in at over two hours, but it never feels like it’s dragging. The scenes are carefully constructed, the transitions are smooth, and the story unfolds at a deliberate, steady pace. It’s a movie that demands your attention, and it rewards you for giving it. Dreams, on the other hand, can feel like a bit of a slog. Some of the dream sequences are captivating, but others drag on too long. The pacing is uneven, and the lack of a central narrative makes it feel disjointed. It’s like watching a series of short films, some great, some not so great, all stitched together. I’ve always said, a movie with good editing never feels too long, a bad one makes you check your watch every 5 minutes. Ran keeps you engaged, Dreams makes you wonder when it will end.
Music and sound design: Ran has a powerful score by Toru Takemitsu, that perfectly complements the epic scale of the film. The music is grand, dramatic, and emotional, and it amplifies the impact of every scene. The sound design is also superb, especially during the battle sequences. You can hear every clashing sword, every thundering hoof, every desperate cry. It’s a symphony of sound that immerses you in the world of the film. Dreams‘s music is more subtle, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes whimsical. The sound design is also well-done, but it doesn’t have the same impact as Ran. The music in Ran is like a character in itself, while in Dreams it’s more like background noise. I appreciate a good score, and Ran delivers.
Now, for the cultural and social impact. Ran is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of ambition and the futility of war. It’s a timeless story that resonates even today. It makes you think about power, family, and the human condition. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Dreams, on the other hand, is more personal and introspective. Kurosawa explores his own fears, anxieties, and hopes. It touches on themes of environmental destruction, the horrors of war, and the beauty of nature, but it doesn’t have the same social weight as Ran. Ran tries to say something about humanity, Dreams is more about Kurosawa’s own mind, and to be honest, I’m not sure I want to be in there.
Genre and execution: Ran is a historical epic, a genre that Kurosawa knew very well. He takes all the elements of the genre and elevates them to a new level. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling, filmmaking, and acting. It’s a movie that sets the standard for all other epics. Dreams is harder to classify. It’s part fantasy, part arthouse, part personal essay. It’s an experimental film that doesn’t fit neatly into any genre. It’s ambitious, for sure, but it doesn’t always succeed. Ran nails the genre, Dreams tries to invent it, and I’m not convinced it works.
Audience reception and reviews: Ran was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its visual splendor, its powerful performances, and its epic scope. It’s regarded as one of Kurosawa’s greatest achievements. Dreams, on the other hand, received mixed reviews. Some critics loved its experimental nature, while others found it pretentious and self-indulgent. It’s a film that divides audiences, you love it or you hate it, and I’m leaning towards the latter. Ran is a crowd-pleaser, Dreams is for a niche audience, and I’m not sure if that audience is anyone at all.
Production design and visual effects: Ran‘s production design is breathtaking. The costumes, the sets, the props, everything is meticulously researched and crafted. The visual effects are minimal, relying on practical effects and real locations. It’s a testament to the power of traditional filmmaking. Dreams also has impressive production design, but it relies more on visual effects to create its surreal landscapes. The effects are sometimes impressive, but they can also feel a bit dated. Ran feels authentic, Dreams feels like a painting, a beautiful painting, but a painting nonetheless.
Overall enjoyment and replay value: Ran is a movie that I could watch again and again. It’s a powerful, moving, and unforgettable experience. It’s a movie that you can appreciate on many levels, from its grand scale to its intimate character moments. It’s a movie that will stay with you for a long time. Dreams, on the other hand, is a movie that I’m not sure I would watch again. It’s interesting, sure, but it’s not exactly entertaining. It’s more of a curiosity than a satisfying film. Ran is a movie I’d recommend to anyone, Dreams I’d only recommend to those who love art films and are not afraid of a little boredom.
Script and dialogue: Ran‘s script is sharp, witty, and full of memorable lines. The dialogue is natural, and it reveals the characters’ inner lives. The characters talk like real people, even if they’re from a different time. Dreams‘s script is more poetic and symbolic. The dialogue is minimal, and it’s mostly used to convey ideas rather than to tell a story. The conversations are not exactly engaging. I like a good script, and Ran delivers it, while Dreams tries to be too artistic for its own good.
Symbolism and subtext: Ran is full of symbolism and subtext. The film explores themes of fate, destiny, and the cyclical nature of history. It’s a movie that rewards careful viewing, and it has layers of meaning that you can discover with each watch. Dreams is also full of symbolism, but it’s often obscure and confusing. It’s like Kurosawa is speaking in a language that only he understands. It’s more like abstract art than a film. Ran has layers you can peel, Dreams has layers you can’t even see.
Production quality: Ran is a polished, well-crafted film. The production quality is top-notch in every aspect, from the costumes to the sound to the editing. It’s a movie that looks and sounds great, even after all these years. Dreams is also a well-made film, but it doesn’t have the same level of polish as Ran. Some of the visual effects are dated, and the pacing is uneven. Ran is a masterpiece of production, Dreams is good, but not great.
Conflict and tension: Ran is full of conflict and tension. The drama builds slowly, and the stakes are always high. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Dreams lacks the same level of conflict and tension. The dream sequences are often beautiful, but they don’t have the same dramatic impact as the scenes in Ran. The tension in Ran is gripping, in Dreams it’s non-existent.
So, there you have it. Two very different films from the same director. If you want a powerful, epic, unforgettable movie, go with Ran. If you want a surreal, experimental, and sometimes confusing experience, give Dreams a try. But if you ask me, Ran is the clear winner. It’s a movie that I’ll watch again and again, and I’m not sure I can say the same about Dreams. Now, go watch a good movie, and don’t waste your time on something that will leave you bored and confused. Mike out.
