Inspiration for a great movie like Star Wars Episode IV always deserves recognition. Did you know that two of the main characters, Tahei (Minoru Chiaki) and Matakishi (Kamatari Fujiwara) were the source of C-3PO and R2-D2? I enjoyed this movie greatly because I was constantly on the lookout for resemblances to Star Wars, and believe me, I saw quite a few. Tahei and Matakishi are two peasants who tried to make a profit off of a war between two Japanese clans, the Yamana and the Akizuki. When they arrive too late, the fighting over and the Akizuki slaughtered, they are continuously plagued by fate. After luckily escaping jail (for the first time of many), the two cowards find a hidden stash of gold from the Akizuki clan placed piece by piece in hollow sticks. Their search for more sticks brings them to meet Rokurota Makabe, (Toshirô Mifune), an Akizuki general who takes advantage of their greed and foolishness. Rokurota learns of the pair's plan to flee this hostile environment, decides it would be best to join them and hide the Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara) with them. So, the movie gains a double plot, following the group as they travel away from the dangers of the Yamana. Although the movie drags on a little, it's still very fun and engaging. I would recommend this movie to people who are fans of Star Wars (assuming you haven't already seen this); and if you haven't seen the Star Wars series, go see those after you've seen this. Rent it!
