King Lear is a masterpiece as told by Akira Kurosawa rather than Shakespeare | Michael Billington
Briefly

Ran, directed by Akira Kurosawa, reinterprets Shakespeare's King Lear in a 16th-century feudal Japan setting. The adaptation eliminates the Gloucester subplot and provides clearer motivations for characters, such as Subaro's rational objections leading to his banishment. Unlike Shakespeare's Lear, Hidetora is portrayed as culpable for his past actions, resulting in profound consequences. The film also features emotional depth through Hidetora's interactions with his family. Kurosawa's choices enhance the story's clarity and thematic resonance compared to the original play.
Kurosawa's adaption of King Lear, titled Ran, presents a streamlined, coherent plot that addresses issues in Shakespeare's original, including simplifying subplots and character motivations.
In Ran, the character of Hidetora is depicted with greater moral complexity, showcasing his guilt and the consequences of his past, contrasting with Shakespeare's more sympathetic Lear.
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