The best of Akira Kurosawa: five films every fan of classic films should see -.

Akira Kurosawa is often considered one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. Born in Tokyo in 1910, Kurosawa’s work is synonymous with a unique blend of action, philosophical depth and meticulous visual storytelling. His films, many of which explore themes of morality, honor and the complexity of human nature, have influenced filmmakers around the world, from George Lucas to Martin Scorsese. Kurosawa’s ability to blend traditional Japanese culture with universal themes of life and death, justice and chaos has made his work timeless and essential for film lovers around the world.

Below we explore five of Kurosawa’s most iconic films, ranked from fifth to first, and dive into their stories, messages and why they have stood the test of time. So let’s waste no more time. Here is what we consider the best of Akira Kurosawa.

5. Ikiru (1952)

Ikiru tells the story of Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Watanabe embarks on a personal journey to find meaning in his life, which until then has been consumed by monotonous, meaningless work. Determined to leave a lasting legacy, he chooses to devote his final days to building a children’s playground, a project that becomes symbolic of his quest for redemption.

Ikiru is one of Kurosawa’s most personal and emotionally resonant films. It explores the existential dilemma of living a life without purpose and how the awareness of death can spur a person to meaningful action. Watanabe’s journey reflects Kurosawa’s deep humanism as the film wrestles with the fragility of life and the importance of doing something important with the time we are given. The film also critiques the bureaucratic system that robs individuals of their humanity, a theme that resonates universally. Ikiru is a powerful meditation on mortality, the value of human connections and the desire to leave something behind that matters.

4. Yojimbo (1961)

In Yojimbo, Toshiro Mifune shines as a wandering ronin (masterless samurai) who stumbles upon a city caught between two warring criminal factions. Rather than choose a side, the ronin, who later reveals his name as Sanjuro, decides to play both sides against each other to rid the city of corruption and violence.

In our opinion, Yojimbo is one of Kurosawa’s most entertaining films, a mix of action, humor and moral ambiguity. The film highlights Kurosawa’s mastery of the archetype of the “lone hero,” later imitated in Western films such as Sergio Leone’s The Dollars Trilogy. At its core, Yojimbo is a critique of greed, violence and the corrupting influence of power. Sanjuro, though morally ambiguous, represents a force of justice operating outside conventional social boundaries. The film’s themes of manipulation, individualism and survival resonate as a commentary on the complexity of human motives and the often chaotic nature of justice.

3. Liep (1985)

Ran Kurosawa’s epic adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, set in medieval Japan, follows an aging warlord, Hidetora, who decides to divide his empire among his three sons. The sons soon lapse into betrayal and violence, leading to the downfall of both Hidetora and his once-powerful empire.

Ran is a sprawling, visually stunning exploration of the destructive power of greed, betrayal and the corrupting nature of power. Kurosawa’s adaptation of King Lear emphasizes the cyclical nature of violence, where betrayal causes even more chaos. The theme of the fragility of human ambition is central to the film, with Hidetora’s downfall serving as a tragic reminder of the consequences of blind ambition and unchecked ego. Kurosawa’s use of color, extended battle scenes and sweeping landscapes reinforce the film’s tragic grandeur. Ran is not only a powerful story of family betrayal, but also a meditation on the inevitable collapse of empires and the futility of war.

2. Rashomon (1950)

Set in medieval Japan, Rashomon tells the story of the rape of a bride and the murder of her samurai husband. The events are told from the perspective of four different characters: the bandit (played by Toshiro Mifune), the bride, the samurai’s ghost and a woodcutter who witnessed the incident. Each account contradicts the others, leaving us to wonder about the nature of the truth.

From our perspective, Rashomon is one of Kurosawa’s most innovative films, both in terms of narrative structure and philosophical depth. The film explores the subjectivity of truth and the unreliability of human perception. Each character’s version of events reveals more about their personal biases, motivations and fears than the objective reality of what actually happened. Rashomon forces us to face the idea that truth is often elusive, shaped by personal experience and perspective. The film also explores themes of guilt, honor and self-deception. The narrative technique, which explores multiple points of view of the same event, has influenced countless filmmakers and remains a landmark in storytelling.

1. Seven samurai (1954)

Seven Samurai is Kurosawa’s epic tale of a village of farmers repeatedly attacked by bandits. Desperate to defend themselves, they hire an experienced samurai, Kambei (Takashi Shimura), who recruits six other samurai to protect the village. Together, the seven warriors train the villagers and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the bandits.

Widely regarded as one of the best films ever made, Seven Samurai is a masterful exploration of sacrifice, duty and the value of collective action. The film explores the code of honor of the samurai and contrasts it with the struggles of ordinary people. Kurosawa presents a layered narrative that explores the motivations of each samurai, but it is ultimately the idea of selflessness in the face of adversity that prevails. The film’s riveting action scenes are beautifully choreographed, but we think the heart of the story lies in its humanism – the bond that develops between the samurai and the villagers, and the noble sacrifices made in the name of protecting others. Seven Samurai is both an action film and a meditation on leadership, courage and community, with themes that have resonated with countless films across genres and cultures.

And that’s all for today! Akira Kurosawa’s films transcend their setting in feudal Japan and touch on universal themes of morality, justice and the human condition. His mastery of both action and introspective drama has left a lasting legacy in world cinema and has influenced filmmakers across genres and continents. Whether it is the heroic samurai of Seven Samurai or the existential journey of a dying man in Ikiru, Kurosawa’s works are a testament to his unparalleled storytelling ability and deep understanding of human nature. His films continue to inspire, challenge and enthrall us all.

Now we would love to hear your experiences with Akira Kurosawa’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? Do you have any memorable moments from his films? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!