May 24, 2012

Akira Kurosawa

by Andre Ward | Published September 6, 2007

Groundbreaking Japanese moviemaker Akira Kurosawa died this day in 1998, leaving behind a vast catalog of acclaimed cinema. Kurosawa began his directorial career in 1943, and by 1950 had released Rashomon, said to be his crowning achievement. Though the film tanked among critics when it was released in Japan, Rashomon has come to be recognized as a masterpiece. The recent Jet Li vehicle, Hero, mirrors the movie’s complex narrative of a story unfolding from different viewpoints. In 1954 Kurosawa made Seven Samurai, the tale of a group of farmers who enlist the help of samurai to help defend their village from a bandit onslaught. The movie became Japan’s highest grossing and set the bar for many of today’s band-of-heroes epics. With a unique style and structure, Samurai combined Japanese traditions with Western heroism and bravado and was also one of the first films to feature slow motion. It influenced American moviemakers heavily, remade most notably as the cowboy epic The Magnificent Seven starring Steve McQueen.

Awards: Akira Kurosawa was nominated for only one Academy Award in his life--for the 1985 feature Ran. But, for his â€œcinematic accomplishments that have inspired, delighted, enriched and entertained worldwide audiences and influenced filmmakers throughout the world,â€ the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bestowed an honorary award upon him in 1990.

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Comment by samuraiguy on 3/07/09 at 1:57 pm: Anaheim University has announced they are launching the Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Film. According to their “Cherry Blossom Gala” announcement, it’s an online Film School, established by Anaheim University to inspire and develop film makers the world over. I heard that Spielberg was going to be part of a tribute and I’d think Lucas would be there after the Star Wars - Hidden Fortress connection. The event is on March 23 2009 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. http://www.anaheim.edu/content/view/748/718/
Comment by Kamagra on 11/19/10 at 8:53 am: There are not doubts the cinematographic industry lost one of the greatest movie-maker of all time. He will be remember as an idealistic persons who always tried to overcome his own goals.
Rest in peace dear Akira
Comment by Costa Rica Doctors on 12/19/10 at 4:08 pm: very few know how importat Akira Kurosawa was for the movieanvironment, in Japan and the rest of the world.
the low motion signature he developed was evolutioning to become the Matrix super low motion and camara effects for it
Comment by Viagra on 6/10/11 at 2:00 pm: This is the worst week of my life, firstly I discovered my wife is cheating on me and then my idol (Akira Kurosawa) died. I don’t know what to say, I mean, I’m simply fucked up.
Comment by Lisa Jefferson on 12/10/11 at 4:37 pm: Hello! Sometimes I go to your web page. There are many interesting and useful information. Thank you. Best regards! Lisa Jefferson. Milldale.Conn.US