Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15853 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-10-22
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: Japanese
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

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

Special Features
1.33 Full Screen
Japanese
Region 2
English

Synopsis
Akira Kurosawa's stunning reconception of Shakespeare's MACBETH is a dark samurai drama, full of powerful and haunting images. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows the path of an ambitious warlord (Toshiro Mifune) who fulfills a prophecy stating that he will become emperor. However, he achieves his goal by murder, setting off a chain of violence and retribution.

Customer Reviews

A Kurosawa Classic
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

Stylish, surreal, and chilling
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.

"THE FOREST IS MOVING"
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.