Feb 5, 2024
Poster for the Akira Kurosawa film The Hidden Fortress (1958).
This film is often touted as one of the influences on George Lucas when he wrote Star Wars (aka A New Hope for you young 'uns).
The story is about two peasants, Tahei and Matashichi, who end up assisting a disguised princess and her loyal general escape from hostile territory.
The peasants, best friends although they constantly bicker, are obvious the influences for C-3PO and R2-D2, while the princess became Leia and the general Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Toshiro Mifune gets top billing, and he gives his usual commanding performance, but this is really Tahei and Matashichi's film. Aside form the connection to Star Wars, it's still a great adventure movie, and well worth watching.
