Guide Note

The Hidden Fortress, a 1958 film by Akira Kurosawa, tells the story of two greedy peasants who are tricked into helping a defeated general and the princess of a fallen kingdom slip through enemy territory to reestablish rule over their home dominion. This was the first film Kurosawa filmed in widescreen format, a technique he would use for the rest of his career. The story is widely considered to be a definitive example of the combination Kurosawa's sense of irony and humor with his characteristic portrayal of humanism and personal struggle against the backdrop of epic drama. The film is popular for its influence, as described by George Lucas, on the narrative of Star Wars. Lucas has said that he was specifically inspired by Kurosawa's use of the lowliest characters of the story to provide the primary point of view.

Fast Facts

1. Released: December 28, 1958
2. Running Time: 139 minutes
3. Directed by Akira Kurosawa
4. Written by Shinobu Hashimoto, Akira Kurosawa
5. Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara
6. Quoted as a major influence on Star Wars by George Lucas