I am not one of those artsy fartsy filim fans that search for some deeper meaning or like to talk about the metaphors used in a filim. I watch all types of movies normally recommended by reading critics, books or magazines about movies, I like just to enjoy the story, acting or the images shown. If I'm lucky most times it is all the previous that combine. I mention this to assure anyone reading this twaddle that, I am not some movie snob that was turned on when I saw the words Kurosawa, subtitles and black and white movie . I have watched a few Kurosawa movies and this is a good filim. You do have to remember that Hidden Fortress is filmed in 1950's Japan and for a Japanese audience of that time but the basics are all there. Great leading man, some good action sequences, two funny sidekicks, a good story that is well told and some great outside shots.

It's been a while since I've watched an older movie, but I recently decided to check out Kurosawa films I haven't seen, and watching this movie is a good reminder that you don't need special effects and flashy cinematographic swoops to make a good movie. The movie itself is interesting and rather unusual in terms of the Kurosawa films I've seen. First off, the main protagonists are a pair of greedy, stupid peasants played primarily for comedic effect. The heroic characters are, in this movie, in supporting roles.It is also unusual in that it has a very strong female character. Kurosawa's movies tend to be very masculine, and this one is as well, but the girl is tough, proud, and noble, and replaces the quiet subservience seen from women in a lot of old Japanese movies with a ferocious appetite for life. I wouldn't say this ranks with Kurosawa's best films, being a little wandering in story and at times slightly puzzling in intent, but it is quite entertaining.

What a wonderful movie! In my top 5 Kurasawa movies for sure alongside Seven Samurai, Ran, Throne of Blood and Yojimbo. As always it is superbly directed, and looks amazing especially in the once again epic scenery and use of CinemaScope. The music score is suitably lively(though my favourite score of any of Kurasawa's movies is still Ran), the script is literate and amusing and the story compels. The action sequences are beautifully choreographed and exciting and the comedy puts a smile on my face. The acting is just as accomplished as ever, with Toshiro Mifune giving yet another charismatic lead performance, and Minoru Chiaki and Kamatari Fujiwara match him just as effectively. Through his camera and directorial techniques you can see Kurasawa paying debt to John Ford's western, and you can also see with the galaxy far far away idea especially the major influence it had on Star Wars. The Hidden Fortress was said as well to be Kurasawa's own personal favourite of his work, and while not quite mine(Seven Samurai) I can definitely see why, and it is perhaps his most accessible(I have often seen Throne of Blood criticised for its dramatic structure and one-dimensional characters and I know people were deterred by the length of Seven Samurai). In conclusion though, a truly great film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

One of those brilliant classics from Akira Kurosawa, it has a bit of everything, and shows a way to newer films with its very brilliant acting and more so its shots, which really set you into the film. There is not a dull moment like in a lot of old films, the style of Kurosawa showing through and his quality of film making.Clearly one for all true film lovers and one for all film students to watch and awe over, the brilliance of each shot and the refinement of brilliant film making.A clear 8/10, a brilliant film.One of two Japanese film makers to watch Kurosawa and Ozu, leading the way to modern film making.