The best of Akira Kurosawa: Five films every classic movie fan should watch

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Akira Kurosawa is often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. Born in Tokyo in 1910, Kurosawa's work is synonymous with a unique blend of action, philosophical depth, and meticulous visual storytelling. His films, many of which explore themes of morality, honour, and the complexities of human nature, have influenced filmmakers worldwide, from George Lucas to Martin Scorsese. Kurosawa's ability to blend traditional Japanese culture with universal themes of life and death, justice, and chaos has made his work timeless and essential viewing for film lovers everywhere.

Below, we explore five of Kurosawa's most iconic films, ranked from fifth to first, and delve into their narratives, messages, and why they have stood the test of time. So let's not waste any more time. Here's what we consider to be the best of Akira Kurosawa.

5. Ikiru (1952)

Ikiru tells the story of Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Watanabe embarks on a personal journey to find meaning in his life, which up until then had been consumed by monotonous, meaningless work. Determined to leave a lasting legacy, he chooses to dedicate his final days to building a children's playground, a project that becomes symbolic of his quest for redemption. Ikiru is one of Kurosawa's most personal and emotionally resonant films. It explores the existential dilemma of living a life devoid of purpose and how the awareness of death can spur one into meaningful action. Watanabe's journey reflects Kurosawa's deep humanism, as the film grapples with the fragility of life and the importance of doing something significant with the time we are given. The film also criticises the bureaucratic system that drains individuals of their humanity, a theme that resonates universally. Ikiru is a powerful meditation on mortality, the value of human connections, and the desire to leave behind something that matters.

4. Yojimbo (1961)

In Yojimbo, Toshiro Mifune stars as a wandering ronin (masterless samurai) who stumbles upon a town caught between two warring criminal factions. Rather than choosing a side, the ronin, who later reveals his name as Sanjuro, decides to play both sides against each other in order to rid the town of corruption and violence. In our opinion, Yojimbo is one of Kurosawa's most entertaining films, blending action, wit, and moral ambiguity. The film highlights Kurosawa's mastery of the "lone hero" archetype, later emulated in Western films such as The Dollars Trilogy by Sergio Leone. At its core, Yojimbo is a critique of greed, violence, and the corrupting influence of power. Sanjuro, while morally ambiguous, represents a force of justice, operating outside conventional societal boundaries. The film's themes of manipulation, individualism, and survival resonate as a commentary on the complexity of human motives and the often chaotic nature of justice.

3. Ran (1985)

Ran, Kurosawa's epic adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear, is set in medieval Japan and follows an aging warlord, Hidetora, who decides to divide his empire among his three sons. The sons quickly descend into treachery and violence, leading to the downfall of both Hidetora and his once-mighty empire. Ran is a sprawling, visually stunning exploration of the destructive power of greed, betrayal, and the corrupting nature of power. Kurosawa's adaptation of King Lear highlights the cyclical nature of violence, where betrayal begets further chaos. The theme of the fragility of human ambition is central to the film, with Hidetora's downfall serving as a tragic reminder of the consequences of blind ambition and unchecked ego. Kurosawa's use of color, elaborate battle sequences, and sweeping landscapes enhance the film's tragic grandeur. Ran is not only a powerful tale of familial betrayal but also a meditation on the inevitable collapse of empires and the futility of war.

2. Rashomon (1950)

Rashomon is set in medieval Japan and tells the story of the rape of a bride and the murder of her samurai husband. The events are recounted through the perspectives of four different characters: the bandit (played by Toshiro Mifune), the bride, the samurai's ghost, and a woodcutter who witnessed the incident. Each account contradicts the others, leaving us to question the nature of truth. From our perspective, Rashomon is one of Kurosawa's most innovative films, both in terms of narrative structure and philosophical depth. The film explores the subjectivity of truth and the unreliability of human perception. Each character's version of the events reveals more about their personal biases, motivations, and fears than the objective reality of what actually happened. Rashomon forces us to confront the idea that truth is often elusive, shaped by personal experience and perspective. The film also examines themes of guilt, honour, and self-deception. Its narrative technique, where multiple viewpoints of the same event are explored, has influenced countless filmmakers and remains a landmark in storytelling.

1. Seven Samurai (1954)

Seven Samurai is Kurosawa's epic tale of a village of farmers who are repeatedly attacked by bandits. Desperate to defend themselves, they hire a veteran samurai, Kambei (Takashi Shimura), who recruits six other samurai to protect the village. Together, the seven warriors train the villagers and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the bandits. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Seven Samurai is a masterful exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the value of collective action. The film examines the samurai code of honour and contrasts it with the struggles of ordinary people. Kurosawa presents a layered narrative where the motivations of each samurai are explored, but it is ultimately the idea of selflessness in the face of adversity that prevails. The film's sweeping action sequences are beautifully choreographed, but we think that the heart of the story lies in its humanism—the bond that develops between the samurai and the villagers, and the noble sacrifices made in the name of protecting others. Seven Samurai is both an action film and a meditation on leadership, courage, and community, with themes that have resonated in countless films across genres and cultures.

And that's all for today! Akira Kurosawa's films transcend their settings in feudal Japan to touch on universal themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. His mastery of both action and introspective drama has left a lasting legacy on world cinema, influencing filmmakers across genres and continents. Whether through the heroic samurai of Seven Samurai or the existential journey of a dying man in Ikiru, Kurosawa's works are a testament to his unparalleled storytelling ability and his deep understanding of human nature. His films continue to inspire, challenge, and captivate all of us.

Now we would love to hear about your experiences with Akira Kurosawa's work! Which of his films do you consider the best? Would you rearrange the list or add any others? Do you have any memorable moments from his films? We can't wait to read your thoughts in the comments!