It’s a well-made movie, rich with detail and feeling true to its historical setting, but it goes on for far too long without needing to. I’ve already watched two of Akira Kurosawa's most famous films, and I still don't really get why this director is so widely considered a cinematic genius. His movies are good, carefully crafted, with lots of attention paid to the specifics, but they aren't particularly memorable—at least, that’s my impression. The film adapts Shakespeare’s “King Lear”: in feudal Japan, an aging warlord decides to relinquish his power and divide his land, authority, and fortresses among his three sons. One son voices concerns about their loyalty, predicting they won’t remain united, which angers the father. Sadly, that younger son's warning proves accurate when the older brothers turn against their parent, leading to conflict. The old man descends into madness, accompanied only by a jester, while his sons battle each other. I won't comment on the actors because I don’t recognize any of them. I can say they performed well within the context of this kind of film. There is an excessive level of stylization in both the acting and the dialogue, which feels theatrical and forced, though it’s possible that was intentional. From a technical standpoint, the movie has much to recommend it, beginning with excellent cinematography—vibrant colors and good lighting. The sets are impressive, especially the castles, meticulously recreated, and the costumes are also well done, beautiful, and historically accurate. I don't think I’m being unfair when I say this film likely contains some of the best battle scenes in Japanese period films. There is no computer-generated imagery; special effects have been used sparingly, and the warfare has been recreated with a focus on authenticity, using hundreds of extras in full costume and considerable effort from the production team. A historian couldn't ask for more. The main issue with this movie is that it seems to prioritize intellectual engagement over entertainment, and it’s packed with scenes designed to make you think about what you are seeing. This approach could work if it weren’t sometimes too obscure. The audience needs to grasp the director’s message, and that doesn't always happen. Also, this film is demanding of its viewers; it starts and ends strongly, but everything in between feels excessively drawn out and padded. Things that might be communicated or shown in two minutes take five, and there are numerous dialogues and scenes that don’t appear to serve a purpose other than to extend the running time.

Source on TMDB