Throne of Blood ( Kumonosu-jou ) Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 600

Average Rating: 3.1/4

# of Ratings: 89

Theatrical Release Date: 01/15/1957

Language: Japanese

Genre: Drama, Action

MPAA Rating: NR

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Actors: Toshirô Mifune, Isuzu Yamada, Takashi Shimura, Akira Kubo, Hiroshi Tachikawa, Minoru Chiaki

Plot: Inspired by a prophecy, an ambitious lord seeks to become emperor as his even more ambicious wife pushes him on.

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 02/17/2021

While it may trade the Scottish setting for the backdrop of feudal Japan, "Throne of Blood" is a definitive adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

mitchellyoung - wrote on 09/07/2011

Though Kurosawa doesn't quite bring that much new to the story of Macbeth (except for the unique setting,) he does interpret the story rather skillfully. The spirit scenes are appropriately luminescent and creepy, the acting portrays greed, jealousy, and obsession with furious fervor, and the use of shadows in the cinematography is brilliant.

Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/25/2007

Macbeth by way of Akira Kurosawa. As with Ran, Kurosawa adapts Shakespeare into feudal Japan and the result is a masterpiece. The tragedy is resplendent and the use of light & shadow is amazing. A must see for any fan of Japanese cinema.

Matthew Brady
Movie God

Throne of Blood - Review

Matthew Brady - wrote on 11/11/2021

“Admirable, my Lord. You, who would soon rule the world, allow a ghost to frighten you.”

The story is about a war-hardened general, egged on by his ambitious wife, works to fulfill a prophecy that he would become lord of Spider's Web Castle.

‘Throne of Blood’ is a gloomy, atmospheric retelling of Shakespeare's classic story of Macbeth. It took me awhile to realize that it’s a loose retelling of Macbeth until halfway through, so most of the time I was noticing certain plot points. Even then, it’s a intriguing interpretation with many elements of general horror, foreboding and dread. That’s director Akira Kurosawa for you.

Toshirô Mifune delivers an energetic and fiery performance. Isuzu Yamada (who basically plays Lady Macbeth) is both eerie and almost …

Daniel Corleone
Movie God

Throne of Blood review

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/31/2013

The story is about Generals Miki and Washizu are Samurai commanders under a local lord, Lord Tsuzuki. The pair of Generals encounter a spirit who tells them about the future. Screenplay was effective with lines: "Nowadays fathers and son's fight." - Asaji. "Don't take action without making it clear." - Washizu "No need to bleed and kill." - Miki. The performances were believable and direction splendid as always coming from the director. Score and cinematography was spectacular. The entertainment factor however was not that good if compared to his other films. A film on loyalty, treachery, prophecies, sprituality and miscarriage. Throne of Blood is still worth watching because of it's method of conveying a Macbeth translation to film.

Yojimbo
Movie God

"Throne Of Blood" by Yojimbo

Yojimbo - wrote on 04/23/2012

Akira Kurosawa's eye for wonderful visuals comes to the fore once again in this stunning adaptation of Macbeth, which lends itself to a relocation to feudal Japan perfectly. I particularly liked the way he merged some wonderfully atmospheric camera techniques with the highly theatrical feel that was clearly heavily influenced by traditional Japanese Noh drama. Toshiro Mifune gives an incredibly intense performance as the general destroyed by his ambition, the subdued scenes between he and his manipulative wife are particularly memorable. And what an ending. Despite the fact that Kurosawa did not use a single word of dialogue from the Shakespearian play it was based upon, it is still easily the best adaptation of The Bard I have ever seen. Yet another classic.