Revisit the films of Akira Kurosawa at The Ritz

By FRED RAHI

If you’re a fan of film, you won’t want to miss The Ritz’s comprehensive presentation and tribute to Akira Kurosawa, one of cinema’s most influential directors. 

Starting on October 3rd and spanning nine weeks through to the start of December, the “Art of the Epic” program showcases a selection of his finest films, newly restored for the big screen. This retrospective serves as both a celebration of Kurosawa’s cinematic genius and an opportunity for audiences to experience his iconic works as they were meant to be seen in vibrant, restored detail.

With this program, The Ritz Cinemas invites audiences to explore the legacy of Kurosawa and his mastery of the epic genre. From action-packed samurai dramas to thought-provoking moral explorations, these films offer a glimpse into a director whose work continues to resonate across generations. For any cinema lover, this is an unmissable retrospective program.

The highlight of the series is a 4K restoration of Seven Samurai (1954), coinciding with its 70th anniversary. Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, Seven Samurai follows a group of samurai hired to defend a village from bandits for a meagre sum. 

The restoration breathes new life into the epic battle sequences, intense character moments, and sweeping landscapes that have influenced countless filmmakers since its release. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, the chance to experience Seven Samurai in its full, restored glory is a unique cinematic event.

Beyond Seven Samurai, the program features some of Kurosawa’s other seminal works. Rashomon (1950), famous for its groundbreaking use of multiple perspectives, delves into the nature of truth and justice. 

Ikiru (1952) offers a more intimate look at life’s meaning, following an aging bureaucrat’s search for purpose after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, Throne of Blood (1957)is Kurosawa’s adaptation of Macbeth, bringing samurai culture into the classic tale of ambition and betrayal with a striking visual style that merges the director’s Japanese heritage with Western influences.

Rounding out the selection is Yojimbo (1961), a film that inspired both Westerns and modern action films with its portrayal of a wandering samurai who manipulates warring factions for his benefit. Its blend of dark humour and violence offers a sharp contrast to Kurosawa’s more philosophical works, demonstrating the director’s versatility.

Check the dates for each film  on The Ritz’s website and make sure you   don’t miss the chance to see the work of a cinematic juggernaut. 

Akira Kurosawa: The Art of Epic
October 3 – December 2
Ritz Cinemas, 45 St Pauls St, Randwick
https://www.ritzcinemas.com.au/events/akira-kurosawa-the-art-of-the-epic