Even among the more underrated Akira Kurosawa films are timeless masterpieces.
If films like “Dersu Uzala” and “The Idiot” and “Kagemusha” aren’t talked about as much, it’s because the best-known Kurosawa titles — “Seven Samurai,” “Rashomon,” “Throne of Blood” — also happen to be among the most influential movies ever made, casting their shadow over the Spaghetti Western genre, “Star Wars,” and so many more.
Just within the past few weeks, a movie loosely based on “Seven Samurai,” Zack Snyder’s misbegotten “Rebel Moon Part 2,” started streaming, Spike Lee confirmed he’ll direct an adaptation of “High and Low,” and, let’s face it, there’d probably be no “Shogun” at all without the Kurosawa-immortalized Japanese samurai culture onscreen. Probably no director other than Fritz Lang and John Ford has influenced as many genres as Kurosawa, who died in 1998.
But instead of focusing so much on his impact, look at the films.
If films like “Dersu Uzala” and “The Idiot” and “Kagemusha” aren’t talked about as much, it’s because the best-known Kurosawa titles — “Seven Samurai,” “Rashomon,” “Throne of Blood” — also happen to be among the most influential movies ever made, casting their shadow over the Spaghetti Western genre, “Star Wars,” and so many more.
Just within the past few weeks, a movie loosely based on “Seven Samurai,” Zack Snyder’s misbegotten “Rebel Moon Part 2,” started streaming, Spike Lee confirmed he’ll direct an adaptation of “High and Low,” and, let’s face it, there’d probably be no “Shogun” at all without the Kurosawa-immortalized Japanese samurai culture onscreen. Probably no director other than Fritz Lang and John Ford has influenced as many genres as Kurosawa, who died in 1998.
But instead of focusing so much on his impact, look at the films.
- 4/25/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
There’s something about a doppelganger that feels uniquely cinematic. A person who looks like you, thinks like you, and maybe even lives like you has always been a subject of fascination and dread in literature and philosophy, a concept that raises questions about individuality and the collective. But on the screen, seeing the effect of one person mimicked and duplicated proves all the more uncanny and unnerving. Science fiction, horror, and a multitude of other genres have used duality as a means to terrify, unsettle, and provoke.
And then, of course, there’s the acting challenge. For an experienced actor or an up-and-comer alike, playing dual roles is the ultimate flex, a way to show your range in a single project. Whether playing twins or identical strangers, an actor who takes on a dual role has to manage the trick of being both an individual and a duo, of...
And then, of course, there’s the acting challenge. For an experienced actor or an up-and-comer alike, playing dual roles is the ultimate flex, a way to show your range in a single project. Whether playing twins or identical strangers, an actor who takes on a dual role has to manage the trick of being both an individual and a duo, of...
- 4/19/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation has risen to a cult classic status. The plot, the characters, the cinematography, the drama, and the comedy are simply too iconic for the movie to not enjoy the level of popularity it does.
A still from Lost in Translation
Fans often pride themselves in knowing the film and related information in and out. However, there might be one Lost In Translation trivia, which might be unbeknownst to many. One particularly hilarious scene from the film might have taken inspiration from an old Japanese advertisement that featured legendary filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Akira Kurosawa.
Lost In Translation: The Suntory Whiskey Scene
The reason Lost In Translation is loved unanimously is because it manages to capture the complexity of human emotions while staying true to the nuances of being in a foreign environment with a language barrier. Coppola manages to blend in some humorous tones as well.
A still from Lost in Translation
Fans often pride themselves in knowing the film and related information in and out. However, there might be one Lost In Translation trivia, which might be unbeknownst to many. One particularly hilarious scene from the film might have taken inspiration from an old Japanese advertisement that featured legendary filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Akira Kurosawa.
Lost In Translation: The Suntory Whiskey Scene
The reason Lost In Translation is loved unanimously is because it manages to capture the complexity of human emotions while staying true to the nuances of being in a foreign environment with a language barrier. Coppola manages to blend in some humorous tones as well.
- 4/11/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
Filmmaker George Lucas, the creator of the “Star Wars” franchise, will receive the Honorary Palme d’Or at the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The ceremony takes place on May 25, 11 days after Lucas’ 80th birthday.
“The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart. I was surprised and elated when my first film, ‘Thx-1138,’ was selected to be shown in a new program for first-time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me,” Lucas said in a statement.
“In the space of 40 years, George Lucas built a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of the [‘Star Wars’] saga — four of which he directed himself,” the...
The ceremony takes place on May 25, 11 days after Lucas’ 80th birthday.
“The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart. I was surprised and elated when my first film, ‘Thx-1138,’ was selected to be shown in a new program for first-time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me,” Lucas said in a statement.
“In the space of 40 years, George Lucas built a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of the [‘Star Wars’] saga — four of which he directed himself,” the...
- 4/9/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
George Lucas is set to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival at its closing ceremony on May 25, organizers said on Tuesday.
“The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart. I was surprised and elated when my first film, Thx-1138, was selected to be shown in a new program for first-time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me,” Lucas said in a statement.
The Cannes tribute for the Star Wars and Indiana Jones filmmaker will be broadcast on French TV channel France 2 as the French festival draws to a close.
“In the space of 40 years, George Lucas built a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of...
“The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart. I was surprised and elated when my first film, Thx-1138, was selected to be shown in a new program for first-time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me,” Lucas said in a statement.
The Cannes tribute for the Star Wars and Indiana Jones filmmaker will be broadcast on French TV channel France 2 as the French festival draws to a close.
“In the space of 40 years, George Lucas built a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of...
- 4/9/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Kagemusha” is one of the best films Akira Kurosawa ever shot and is considered one of the definite masterpieces of world cinema. However, its production was one of the most difficult accomplishments in the master's filmography. Initially, the film was not considered financially viable, and it took the influence of both George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola to get additional funds for it to be completed, since Toho, the initial production company, had given up on the film. However, the problems continued during the shooting, with probably the most significant being that Kurosawa had to replace Shintaro Katsu, who was originally cast as Takeda Shingen, with Tatsuya Nakadai, after the two of them had a falling out. The production faced many additional problems, but Kurosawa eventually managed to complete the movie, with its premiere taking place in Tokyo. His struggles, however, paid off, since “Kagemusha” was a huge hit both critically and financially.
- 2/27/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Actor Denzel Washington and director Spike Lee announced they are joining forces once more, the first time in 18 years, for a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller “High and Low.” The duo have collaborated four times previously, on “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and, most recently, “Inside Man.”
“High and Low” was originally based on the novel “King’s Ransom” by the prolific American author Ed McBain. McBain was a nom de plume for Evan Hunter, who also wrote “The Blackboard Jungle” (adapted to a popular film with a significant early turn by Sidney Poitier) and was a co-screenwriter of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”
The original “High and Low” starred Toshiro Mifune as an executive who faces a moral crisis during a pivotal moment of his career—just as he had intended to move a vast amount of his personal wealth for business reasons, his son...
“High and Low” was originally based on the novel “King’s Ransom” by the prolific American author Ed McBain. McBain was a nom de plume for Evan Hunter, who also wrote “The Blackboard Jungle” (adapted to a popular film with a significant early turn by Sidney Poitier) and was a co-screenwriter of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”
The original “High and Low” starred Toshiro Mifune as an executive who faces a moral crisis during a pivotal moment of his career—just as he had intended to move a vast amount of his personal wealth for business reasons, his son...
- 2/9/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Did Embracer Group get too big, too soon? We chart the rise and financial turmoil of one of the videogames industry’s giants.
In the spring of 2022, Embracer Group was a games industry colossus, with its market valuation sitting at almost $10bn. By this point, the Swedish company owned some of the biggest properties and studios around, having recently purchased the rights to the likes of Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Thief from Japan’s Square Enix, as well as several studios involved in making them, including Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal.
The firm also had a wealth of other major names crowded under its banner, including rights to The Lord Of The Rings, comic book publisher Dark Horse Media, Gearbox Software, creators of the Borderlands series, and Asmodee, a publisher of card and tabletop games.
In a company profile published by the Financial Times, one industry analyst criticised Embracer...
In the spring of 2022, Embracer Group was a games industry colossus, with its market valuation sitting at almost $10bn. By this point, the Swedish company owned some of the biggest properties and studios around, having recently purchased the rights to the likes of Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Thief from Japan’s Square Enix, as well as several studios involved in making them, including Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal.
The firm also had a wealth of other major names crowded under its banner, including rights to The Lord Of The Rings, comic book publisher Dark Horse Media, Gearbox Software, creators of the Borderlands series, and Asmodee, a publisher of card and tabletop games.
In a company profile published by the Financial Times, one industry analyst criticised Embracer...
- 1/31/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
There would be no "Star Wars" without Akira Kurosawa. The fabled Japanese filmmaker was a massive influence on creator George Lucas and his vision for a galaxy far, far away, with his period adventures "Seven Samurai" and especially "The Hidden Fortress" informing so much of the Jedi's aesthetics and philosophy, as well as the plot and characters of "A New Hope." Creatives on more recent "Star Wars" projects have only continued to mine inspiration from Kurosawa's oeuvre, with Rian Johnson drawing pretty explicitly from the director's classic "Rashomon" for the perspective-shifting flashbacks to Luke Skywalker's confrontation with his nephew Ben Solo in "The Last Jedi."
For "Ahsoka," a spinoff of "The Mandalorian" and live-action sequel to his animated series "Star Wars Rebels," creator Dave Filoni -- who's since been promoted to chief creative officer of Lucasfilm -- looked to another Kurosawa film entirely for the show's most fantastical outing yet.
For "Ahsoka," a spinoff of "The Mandalorian" and live-action sequel to his animated series "Star Wars Rebels," creator Dave Filoni -- who's since been promoted to chief creative officer of Lucasfilm -- looked to another Kurosawa film entirely for the show's most fantastical outing yet.
- 1/28/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
It was the reunion "Star Wars" animation enthusiasts had been eagerly anticipating since Ahsoka Tano faced off against Darth Vader in the ancient Sith Temple on Malachor during the emotionally charged and action-packed "Star Wars Rebels" season 2 finale, "Twilight of the Apprentice." Titled "Shadow Warrior," the fifth episode of "Ahsoka" finally brought Snips (now significantly older and played by Rosario Dawson) face to face with her beloved mentor Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) for the first time since his death.
Or did it?
Setting aside the fact that Ahsoka and Anakin reuniting didn't necessarily mean much to those unfamiliar with "Star War" animation, it was never entirely clear whether Anakin was the real deal or a figment of Ahsoka's imagination as she slowly drowned in the oceans of Seatos after losing a lightsaber duel with the fallen Jedi Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson). While he certainly acted like the real Anakin (and...
Or did it?
Setting aside the fact that Ahsoka and Anakin reuniting didn't necessarily mean much to those unfamiliar with "Star War" animation, it was never entirely clear whether Anakin was the real deal or a figment of Ahsoka's imagination as she slowly drowned in the oceans of Seatos after losing a lightsaber duel with the fallen Jedi Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson). While he certainly acted like the real Anakin (and...
- 11/25/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Ahsoka review contains spoilers.
Ahsoka Episode 8
“The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord” caps off Ahsoka with an ending that, when compared to the powerful cliffhanger in Rebels that set all of these events in motion, pales in comparison. The episode itself has its highlights as well as quite a few lows, but when you look at the bigger picture that was painted over the course of the eight chapters, this grand finale sadly doesn’t feel all that grand, and it certainly doesn’t reach the great heights of more thrilling, poignant episodes like “Shadow Warrior” and “Far Far Away.”
The heroes are left in precarious positions by episode’s end: Ahsoka, Sabine, and Huyang are stranded on Peridea, and Ezra has returned home to reunite with Hera and Chopper (where’s Zeb?!) and deliver the worst news ever: Thrawn is on his way back to...
Ahsoka Episode 8
“The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord” caps off Ahsoka with an ending that, when compared to the powerful cliffhanger in Rebels that set all of these events in motion, pales in comparison. The episode itself has its highlights as well as quite a few lows, but when you look at the bigger picture that was painted over the course of the eight chapters, this grand finale sadly doesn’t feel all that grand, and it certainly doesn’t reach the great heights of more thrilling, poignant episodes like “Shadow Warrior” and “Far Far Away.”
The heroes are left in precarious positions by episode’s end: Ahsoka, Sabine, and Huyang are stranded on Peridea, and Ezra has returned home to reunite with Hera and Chopper (where’s Zeb?!) and deliver the worst news ever: Thrawn is on his way back to...
- 10/4/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 8 — "The Jedi, The Witch, and the Warlord."
Well, the season finale of "Ahsoka" is somehow already here, and it definitely left us wanting more. That's not to say that episode 8, "The Jedi, The Witch and The Warlord," was lackluster or anticlimactic, necessarily. There was plenty of action and intrigue as Ahsoka teamed up with Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren on the planet Peridea to try and prevent Thrawn and his army of death troopers from escaping out of exile. Now that Thrawn has finally been introduced into live-action after appearing in "Star Wars Rebels" and multiple novels by Timothy Zahn, he was finally given the spotlight he truly deserves. Then, the credits rolled.
As the last few minutes of the finale came to pass, multiple threads popped up that were all incredibly compelling, suggesting that there is much more to come.
Well, the season finale of "Ahsoka" is somehow already here, and it definitely left us wanting more. That's not to say that episode 8, "The Jedi, The Witch and The Warlord," was lackluster or anticlimactic, necessarily. There was plenty of action and intrigue as Ahsoka teamed up with Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren on the planet Peridea to try and prevent Thrawn and his army of death troopers from escaping out of exile. Now that Thrawn has finally been introduced into live-action after appearing in "Star Wars Rebels" and multiple novels by Timothy Zahn, he was finally given the spotlight he truly deserves. Then, the credits rolled.
As the last few minutes of the finale came to pass, multiple threads popped up that were all incredibly compelling, suggesting that there is much more to come.
- 10/4/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
“Ahsoka,” the live-action series starring Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, airs its season finale on Disney+ this week.
The character of Ahsoka was originally created for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” by Dave Filoni. Filoni serves as the writer and executive producer of “Ahsoka,” and directed the series premiere.
Dawson first portrayed the dual lightsaber-wielding former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 of “The Mandalorian,” where she battled Morgan Elsbeth. “Star Wars: Ahsoka” picks up shortly after those events, with Elsbeth in custody and Tano pursuing rumors of the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
But if you’re wondering when, how and where to watch new episodes of “Ahsoka,” we’ve got you covered.
When Does “Star Wars: Ahsoka” Premiere?
“Star Wars: Ahsoka” premieres on Tuesday, Aug. 22 on Disney+.
You can read TheWrap’s review of “Star Wars: Ahsoka” here.
What Time Does “Star Wars: Ahsoka” Stream on Disney+?
New...
The character of Ahsoka was originally created for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” by Dave Filoni. Filoni serves as the writer and executive producer of “Ahsoka,” and directed the series premiere.
Dawson first portrayed the dual lightsaber-wielding former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 of “The Mandalorian,” where she battled Morgan Elsbeth. “Star Wars: Ahsoka” picks up shortly after those events, with Elsbeth in custody and Tano pursuing rumors of the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
But if you’re wondering when, how and where to watch new episodes of “Ahsoka,” we’ve got you covered.
When Does “Star Wars: Ahsoka” Premiere?
“Star Wars: Ahsoka” premieres on Tuesday, Aug. 22 on Disney+.
You can read TheWrap’s review of “Star Wars: Ahsoka” here.
What Time Does “Star Wars: Ahsoka” Stream on Disney+?
New...
- 10/3/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
This Star Wars: Ahsoka review contains spoilers.
Ahsoka Episode 7
“Dreams and Madness,” Ahsoka season 1’s penultimate episode, looks great on paper but falls short in execution. We get to spend more time with Ezra and Sabine, we get to see Thrawn exert his tactical dominance from his war room on Peridea, there’s a frantic space chase inside a Purrgil graveyard, and we’re even treated to a lengthy cameo by C-3Po. So why does the episode fall a little flat?
It’s not that there’s one big issue that tanks the entire episode. Rather, it’s an accumulation of little creative decisions that don’t hit the mark. Take C-3Po saving Hera and Teva’s asses in the courtroom, for example. It’s fun to see him put Senator Xiono in his place and clear Hera’s name on Leia’s behalf, but as a courtroom scene,...
Ahsoka Episode 7
“Dreams and Madness,” Ahsoka season 1’s penultimate episode, looks great on paper but falls short in execution. We get to spend more time with Ezra and Sabine, we get to see Thrawn exert his tactical dominance from his war room on Peridea, there’s a frantic space chase inside a Purrgil graveyard, and we’re even treated to a lengthy cameo by C-3Po. So why does the episode fall a little flat?
It’s not that there’s one big issue that tanks the entire episode. Rather, it’s an accumulation of little creative decisions that don’t hit the mark. Take C-3Po saving Hera and Teva’s asses in the courtroom, for example. It’s fun to see him put Senator Xiono in his place and clear Hera’s name on Leia’s behalf, but as a courtroom scene,...
- 9/27/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Ahsoka is finally here and it was developed and written by Dave Filoni. The Star Wars series follows Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in the aftermath of Return of the Jedi (1983). Ahsoka follows the titular character, a former Jedi Knight as she investigates an emerging threat to a now vulnerable galaxy.
Ahsoka – Episode Guide (When are the Episodes Coming Out?)
The Star Wars series consists of eight episodes in total and it premiered with its first two episodes on Disney+ on August 22, with the rest of the episodes coming out on the streaming giant weekly. Check out every episode’s titles and release dates below:
Credit – Disney+
Episode 1 “Part One: Master and Apprentice” – August 22
Episode 2 “Part Two: Toil and Trouble” – August 22
Episode 3 “Part Three: Time to Fly” – August 29
Episode 4 “Part Four: Fallen Jedi” – September 5
Episode 5 “Part Five: Shadow Warrior” – September 12
Episode 6 – September 19
Episode 7 – September 26
Episode 8 – September 3
Ahsoka – Cast & Characters (Who is...
Ahsoka – Episode Guide (When are the Episodes Coming Out?)
The Star Wars series consists of eight episodes in total and it premiered with its first two episodes on Disney+ on August 22, with the rest of the episodes coming out on the streaming giant weekly. Check out every episode’s titles and release dates below:
Credit – Disney+
Episode 1 “Part One: Master and Apprentice” – August 22
Episode 2 “Part Two: Toil and Trouble” – August 22
Episode 3 “Part Three: Time to Fly” – August 29
Episode 4 “Part Four: Fallen Jedi” – September 5
Episode 5 “Part Five: Shadow Warrior” – September 12
Episode 6 – September 19
Episode 7 – September 26
Episode 8 – September 3
Ahsoka – Cast & Characters (Who is...
- 9/19/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
When Ahsoka Tano was first introduced, she served as our eyes and ears in the "Star Wars" universe, the audience surrogate for this new chapter of the story, like Luke before her, or like Ezra Bridger in "Star Wars Rebels" and Rey in the new trilogy. Just as audiences grew up watching the show, they watched Ahsoka grow up before their eyes, going from hotheaded Padawan to one of the most powerful and wise Jedi ever.
It makes sense, then, that she would finally get her own TV show with the eponymous "Ahsoka," as Dave Filoni takes the character he co-created and brings her to the foreground in yet another galactic conflict. The show has been walking a fine line between being a standalone story and a continuation of several stories. There's the Mando-Verse story of the slow rise of the Imperial Remnant, but also the pay-off to the finale...
It makes sense, then, that she would finally get her own TV show with the eponymous "Ahsoka," as Dave Filoni takes the character he co-created and brings her to the foreground in yet another galactic conflict. The show has been walking a fine line between being a standalone story and a continuation of several stories. There's the Mando-Verse story of the slow rise of the Imperial Remnant, but also the pay-off to the finale...
- 9/16/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
This Ahsoka article contains spoilers
Ahsoka’s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” forced the former Jedi to journey through the World Between Worlds and deal with her past, including the loss of her master Anakin Skywalker. As part of that journey, she is transported back to a battle at the beginning of the Clone Wars, and then to the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the war. While Star Wars animated series fans know all about the Siege of Mandalore and how it fits into Revenge of the Sith and Anakin’s turn to the dark side, by including this event in Ahsoka, Disney+ has finally brought this important piece of the Prequel Trilogy era to live action.
The Siege of Mandalore makes up one of the best arcs in all of The Clone Wars, but interestingly enough, Ahsoka makes one tweak in its replay of events, which Anakin himself points out in the scene.
Ahsoka’s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” forced the former Jedi to journey through the World Between Worlds and deal with her past, including the loss of her master Anakin Skywalker. As part of that journey, she is transported back to a battle at the beginning of the Clone Wars, and then to the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the war. While Star Wars animated series fans know all about the Siege of Mandalore and how it fits into Revenge of the Sith and Anakin’s turn to the dark side, by including this event in Ahsoka, Disney+ has finally brought this important piece of the Prequel Trilogy era to live action.
The Siege of Mandalore makes up one of the best arcs in all of The Clone Wars, but interestingly enough, Ahsoka makes one tweak in its replay of events, which Anakin himself points out in the scene.
- 9/15/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
There will be spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" Part 5 - Shadow Warrior
Trying to understand the ways of the Force is always a tricky prospect. Though some might be under the false impression that "Star Wars" creator George Lucas somehow demystified the Force with the addition of midi-chlorians to the canon, Lucas and his Padawan and protege Dave Filoni have done so many things to deepen and expand the breadth of the Force and its mysticism. The latest episode of the Disney+ series "Ahsoka" continues the evolution of the Force, and in many ways it ties back to one of the most bizarre arcs from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."
Read more: Star Wars Deleted Scenes That Could've Changed Everything
The Force Gods And The Altar Of Mortis
The Force is a metaphor, and it has been since the beginning of "Star Wars." It is something that exists in all living things,...
Trying to understand the ways of the Force is always a tricky prospect. Though some might be under the false impression that "Star Wars" creator George Lucas somehow demystified the Force with the addition of midi-chlorians to the canon, Lucas and his Padawan and protege Dave Filoni have done so many things to deepen and expand the breadth of the Force and its mysticism. The latest episode of the Disney+ series "Ahsoka" continues the evolution of the Force, and in many ways it ties back to one of the most bizarre arcs from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."
Read more: Star Wars Deleted Scenes That Could've Changed Everything
The Force Gods And The Altar Of Mortis
The Force is a metaphor, and it has been since the beginning of "Star Wars." It is something that exists in all living things,...
- 9/15/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 5 — "Shadow Warrior."
"Ahsoka" episode 5, "Shadow Warrior" (written and directed by Dave Filoni), goes further than any episode in the series before it in blurring the line between the animated and live-action sides of "Star Wars." While Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) is drowning in the waters of Seatos and fighting to survive, she's trapped in some sort of vision in the Force that could be nothing more than the thoughts in her head. Regardless of whether she's simply in her mind, the World Between Worlds, or the Netherworld of the Force (if not some other realm entirely), the result is the same: In order to live, Ahsoka must make her way through her memories. As she travels through these trials from her past, we see a number of things from the world of "Star Wars" animation that have never shown up in live-action before.
"Ahsoka" episode 5, "Shadow Warrior" (written and directed by Dave Filoni), goes further than any episode in the series before it in blurring the line between the animated and live-action sides of "Star Wars." While Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) is drowning in the waters of Seatos and fighting to survive, she's trapped in some sort of vision in the Force that could be nothing more than the thoughts in her head. Regardless of whether she's simply in her mind, the World Between Worlds, or the Netherworld of the Force (if not some other realm entirely), the result is the same: In order to live, Ahsoka must make her way through her memories. As she travels through these trials from her past, we see a number of things from the world of "Star Wars" animation that have never shown up in live-action before.
- 9/14/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Ahsoka."
Every time a character in a "Star Wars" show or film reveals a heretofore unknown Force-based ability, there's always going to be a contingency of viewers who find themselves turning into Han Solo and grumpily yelling, "That's not how the Force works!" Pretty much without fail, however, there's an earlier "Star Wars" project that's already established that this is, in fact, how the Force works. If anything, the last 46 years of "Star Wars" have taught us that the Force is often pretty darn weird, with this week's episode of "Ahsoka," "Shadow Warrior," providing yet another useful reminder of just that.
Upon returning from her near-death Force experience, the episode has Ahsoka Tano emerging from the oceans of Seatos and using the Force to read the history of the destroyed star map leading to Grand Admiral Thrawn. In doing so, she...
Every time a character in a "Star Wars" show or film reveals a heretofore unknown Force-based ability, there's always going to be a contingency of viewers who find themselves turning into Han Solo and grumpily yelling, "That's not how the Force works!" Pretty much without fail, however, there's an earlier "Star Wars" project that's already established that this is, in fact, how the Force works. If anything, the last 46 years of "Star Wars" have taught us that the Force is often pretty darn weird, with this week's episode of "Ahsoka," "Shadow Warrior," providing yet another useful reminder of just that.
Upon returning from her near-death Force experience, the episode has Ahsoka Tano emerging from the oceans of Seatos and using the Force to read the history of the destroyed star map leading to Grand Admiral Thrawn. In doing so, she...
- 9/13/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Ahsoka” has been climbing its way up the streaming charts since its August debut.
On Tuesday, Disney+ streamed the Star Wars series midseason episode, which expanded on Ahsoka Tano’s (Rosario Dawson) reunion with her former Jedi master Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).
The episode, titled “Shadow Warrior” also introduced a young Ahsoka, played by teen actor Ariana Greenblatt. If Greenblatt looks familiar underneath all that makeup and prosthetics, it’s because she appeared in two other major projects this year.
Read on to find more about her “Ahsoka” appearance and career.
Warning: This post contains spoilers from Episode 5 of “Ahsoka” entitled “Shadow Warrior.”
Who does Ariana Greenblatt portray in “Ahsoka”?
After falling into the ocean after a duel with Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson), Ahsoka finds herself in the World Between Worlds, a limbo-like place between life and death.
There she encounters her former master Anakin Skywalker, who reveals...
On Tuesday, Disney+ streamed the Star Wars series midseason episode, which expanded on Ahsoka Tano’s (Rosario Dawson) reunion with her former Jedi master Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).
The episode, titled “Shadow Warrior” also introduced a young Ahsoka, played by teen actor Ariana Greenblatt. If Greenblatt looks familiar underneath all that makeup and prosthetics, it’s because she appeared in two other major projects this year.
Read on to find more about her “Ahsoka” appearance and career.
Warning: This post contains spoilers from Episode 5 of “Ahsoka” entitled “Shadow Warrior.”
Who does Ariana Greenblatt portray in “Ahsoka”?
After falling into the ocean after a duel with Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson), Ahsoka finds herself in the World Between Worlds, a limbo-like place between life and death.
There she encounters her former master Anakin Skywalker, who reveals...
- 9/13/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
We always knew Ahsoka‘s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” would be a trip down memory lane for our protagonist and her master Anakin Skywalker, but no one could have prepared us for the sheer amount of Clone Wars goodness that appears in this episode. From an unexpected reunion with Commander Rex to recreations of scenes from The Clone Wars animated series, Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni leaves no stone unturned when it comes to 2000s Star Wars nostalgia.
Here are all the easter eggs, call backs, cameos, and references we caught in the latest episode of Ahsoka…
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Since we didn’t cover an easter egg guide for episode 4, let’s go over the biggest cameo of the episode: Hayden Christensen returns as both Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in “Shadow Warrior.” This isn’t the first time...
We always knew Ahsoka‘s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” would be a trip down memory lane for our protagonist and her master Anakin Skywalker, but no one could have prepared us for the sheer amount of Clone Wars goodness that appears in this episode. From an unexpected reunion with Commander Rex to recreations of scenes from The Clone Wars animated series, Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni leaves no stone unturned when it comes to 2000s Star Wars nostalgia.
Here are all the easter eggs, call backs, cameos, and references we caught in the latest episode of Ahsoka…
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Since we didn’t cover an easter egg guide for episode 4, let’s go over the biggest cameo of the episode: Hayden Christensen returns as both Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in “Shadow Warrior.” This isn’t the first time...
- 9/13/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Ahsoka Episode 5's Purrgil scene confirmed Ahsoka Tano is more like Ezra Bridger than Star Wars fans ever knew.
Throughout Ahsoka's run on Disney+, Purrgil or Space Whales have been a recurring presence and reminder of how the Star Wars Rebels animated series concluded.
In the series' fifth episode titled "Shadow Warrior," Ahsoka interacted with the Purrgil, revealing her surprising Force ability and how Ezra, Thrawn, and Sabine will be found.
Read full article on The Direct.
Throughout Ahsoka's run on Disney+, Purrgil or Space Whales have been a recurring presence and reminder of how the Star Wars Rebels animated series concluded.
In the series' fifth episode titled "Shadow Warrior," Ahsoka interacted with the Purrgil, revealing her surprising Force ability and how Ezra, Thrawn, and Sabine will be found.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 9/13/2023
- by Savannah Sanders
- The Direct
This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Ahsoka."
It's as quintessentially "Star Wars" as it gets. You're off on some grand adventure with some of the biggest heroes in the galaxy when Some Guy™ walks in, acts like he's been there all along, and is quickly integrated into the story on a recurring basis. The franchise's particular sense of world-building is sprawling and expansive enough to allow for minor characters to progressively take on roles of major significance over time. And should the live-action material not have enough time to fully flesh out their backstories, you can safely bet your kid's college fund that Wookieepedia has listed some random comic or now-defunct Expanded Universe tale that took the time to fill in all the details you could ever need.
This is one particular tradition that "Star Wars" guru and "Ahsoka" creator Dave Filoni has maintained (with the help...
It's as quintessentially "Star Wars" as it gets. You're off on some grand adventure with some of the biggest heroes in the galaxy when Some Guy™ walks in, acts like he's been there all along, and is quickly integrated into the story on a recurring basis. The franchise's particular sense of world-building is sprawling and expansive enough to allow for minor characters to progressively take on roles of major significance over time. And should the live-action material not have enough time to fully flesh out their backstories, you can safely bet your kid's college fund that Wookieepedia has listed some random comic or now-defunct Expanded Universe tale that took the time to fill in all the details you could ever need.
This is one particular tradition that "Star Wars" guru and "Ahsoka" creator Dave Filoni has maintained (with the help...
- 9/13/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
Ahsoka‘s midseason episode, “Shadow Warrior,” was billed as such a big event by Disney that it even played in select theaters on premiere night. And it’s for good reason: the fifth episode of the live-action series doesn’t only see the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker but also sends Ahsoka traveling through time and space to her years as a young padawan during The Clone Wars. That means we not only get to see two battles from the animated series but also a younger Ahsoka in the flesh as we’ve never seen her in live action.
Of course, star Rosario Dawson couldn’t play young Ahsoka herself on the show, lest Disney take us further into the uncanny valley of its questionable CG de-aging tech. Instead, Clone Wars era Ahsoka is played by 16-year-old Ariana Greenblatt, who you...
Ahsoka‘s midseason episode, “Shadow Warrior,” was billed as such a big event by Disney that it even played in select theaters on premiere night. And it’s for good reason: the fifth episode of the live-action series doesn’t only see the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker but also sends Ahsoka traveling through time and space to her years as a young padawan during The Clone Wars. That means we not only get to see two battles from the animated series but also a younger Ahsoka in the flesh as we’ve never seen her in live action.
Of course, star Rosario Dawson couldn’t play young Ahsoka herself on the show, lest Disney take us further into the uncanny valley of its questionable CG de-aging tech. Instead, Clone Wars era Ahsoka is played by 16-year-old Ariana Greenblatt, who you...
- 9/13/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for "Ahsoka" episode 5, "Shadow Warrior."
Contending with the past can be pretty challenging, especially when it is marked by sudden loss and betrayal. These feelings weigh heavy on the shoulders of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), who is forced to confront her Master and his legacy of death and destruction in a situation similar to the World Between Worlds in the latest episode of "Ahsoka." While this simulated space mimics limbo, the experiences that Ahsoka relives allow her to face an essential truth: irrespective of her past, she must choose life, and shape her own legacy in a world destined for chaos. While such hope is too late for Anakin (Hayden Christensen), there is still a chance for Ahsoka to shape her own destiny by not repeating her Master's errors.
This much-needed trip down memory lane allows "Ahsoka" to bring key "Clone Wars" moments to life, while...
Contending with the past can be pretty challenging, especially when it is marked by sudden loss and betrayal. These feelings weigh heavy on the shoulders of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), who is forced to confront her Master and his legacy of death and destruction in a situation similar to the World Between Worlds in the latest episode of "Ahsoka." While this simulated space mimics limbo, the experiences that Ahsoka relives allow her to face an essential truth: irrespective of her past, she must choose life, and shape her own legacy in a world destined for chaos. While such hope is too late for Anakin (Hayden Christensen), there is still a chance for Ahsoka to shape her own destiny by not repeating her Master's errors.
This much-needed trip down memory lane allows "Ahsoka" to bring key "Clone Wars" moments to life, while...
- 9/13/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
Ahsoka Episode 5
Welp, it looks like we’re going to have to wait another week (at least) until we see the long awaited, endlessly teased return of Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Ahsoka’s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” taking place almost entirely on Seatos, offering nary a glimpse of wherever Sabine and Morgan’s crew zipped off to, may be more than a little upsetting for some.
But beyond contributing to the agonizing anticipation of what we’ll find beyond “the jump,” in so many ways this episode is one of the most artful, cinematic, polished of the series so far. It’s written tastefully, and some of the most profound messages are conveyed with touches as understated as a slouch in posture or a knowing smile. And the ending leaves us on an uplifting note that invokes what made the Original...
Ahsoka Episode 5
Welp, it looks like we’re going to have to wait another week (at least) until we see the long awaited, endlessly teased return of Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Ahsoka’s fifth episode, “Shadow Warrior,” taking place almost entirely on Seatos, offering nary a glimpse of wherever Sabine and Morgan’s crew zipped off to, may be more than a little upsetting for some.
But beyond contributing to the agonizing anticipation of what we’ll find beyond “the jump,” in so many ways this episode is one of the most artful, cinematic, polished of the series so far. It’s written tastefully, and some of the most profound messages are conveyed with touches as understated as a slouch in posture or a knowing smile. And the ending leaves us on an uplifting note that invokes what made the Original...
- 9/13/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for "Ahsoka," episode 5, "Shadow Warrior."
Episode 4 of "Ahsoka," "Fallen Jedi," ended on a rather jarring note: after a duel with Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) ended up in a space similar to the World Between Worlds concept first introduced in "Star Wars Rebels." On closer inspection of the events of episode 5, it is clear that this space is more psychological than mystical, as it allows Ahsoka to contend with her accumulating feelings of guilt, especially ones that revolve around her former Master, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). The real Anakin is obviously dead by this point, and the version Ahsoka encounters does not seem like a Force ghost. Here, what Ahsoka learns as a final lesson from her Master is to accept and embrace life: an act that directly negates the survivor's guilt she has been mired in over the years.
As this transformative...
Episode 4 of "Ahsoka," "Fallen Jedi," ended on a rather jarring note: after a duel with Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) ended up in a space similar to the World Between Worlds concept first introduced in "Star Wars Rebels." On closer inspection of the events of episode 5, it is clear that this space is more psychological than mystical, as it allows Ahsoka to contend with her accumulating feelings of guilt, especially ones that revolve around her former Master, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). The real Anakin is obviously dead by this point, and the version Ahsoka encounters does not seem like a Force ghost. Here, what Ahsoka learns as a final lesson from her Master is to accept and embrace life: an act that directly negates the survivor's guilt she has been mired in over the years.
As this transformative...
- 9/13/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 5 — "Shadow Warrior."
The latest episode of "Ahsoka" had all the makings of a classic "Star Wars" story that could bridge the gap between the prequel trilogy, the animated series "Star Wars Rebels," and finally introduce the apparent heir to the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). Unfortunately, the fifth installment of the series, "Shadow Warrior," (read the /Film review here) felt a little anticlimactic, functioning as more of a mid-season finale to set up the inevitable clash between Ahsoka and Thrawn, and the long-awaited reunion with Ezra Bridger that caused Sabine to enter a shaky truce with Baylon Skoll and Morgan Elsbeth.
Surprisingly, "Shadow Warrior" chooses to draw parallels back to "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Last Jedi" giving Ahsoka her own version of a Force trial, similar to the challenges that Luke experiences on Dagobah and Rey encounters on the remote planet of Ahch-To.
The latest episode of "Ahsoka" had all the makings of a classic "Star Wars" story that could bridge the gap between the prequel trilogy, the animated series "Star Wars Rebels," and finally introduce the apparent heir to the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). Unfortunately, the fifth installment of the series, "Shadow Warrior," (read the /Film review here) felt a little anticlimactic, functioning as more of a mid-season finale to set up the inevitable clash between Ahsoka and Thrawn, and the long-awaited reunion with Ezra Bridger that caused Sabine to enter a shaky truce with Baylon Skoll and Morgan Elsbeth.
Surprisingly, "Shadow Warrior" chooses to draw parallels back to "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Last Jedi" giving Ahsoka her own version of a Force trial, similar to the challenges that Luke experiences on Dagobah and Rey encounters on the remote planet of Ahch-To.
- 9/13/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Ahsoka" episode 5, "Dark Warrior."
Given the pretty massive cliffhanger fans were left with at the end of "Ahsoka" episode 4, "Fallen Jedi," expectations were sky-high headed into episode 5. But Dave Filoni isn't one to disappoint. The episode, titled "Shadow Warrior," in some ways represented a culmination of the filmmaker's many years working in "Star Wars" up to this point. It even allowed him to bring a young Ahsoka Tano to life in live-action. For those who felt like the actor underneath that young Ahsoka makeup felt familiar, there's a very good reason for that.
Fans of "The Clone Wars" had a lot to soak in with the episode serving as a real blast from the past, as we got to see Anakin Skywalker and a younger Ahsoka Tano in the heart of battle long before he became Darth Vader and she left the Jedi Order. It was just Anakin and Snips.
Given the pretty massive cliffhanger fans were left with at the end of "Ahsoka" episode 4, "Fallen Jedi," expectations were sky-high headed into episode 5. But Dave Filoni isn't one to disappoint. The episode, titled "Shadow Warrior," in some ways represented a culmination of the filmmaker's many years working in "Star Wars" up to this point. It even allowed him to bring a young Ahsoka Tano to life in live-action. For those who felt like the actor underneath that young Ahsoka makeup felt familiar, there's a very good reason for that.
Fans of "The Clone Wars" had a lot to soak in with the episode serving as a real blast from the past, as we got to see Anakin Skywalker and a younger Ahsoka Tano in the heart of battle long before he became Darth Vader and she left the Jedi Order. It was just Anakin and Snips.
- 9/13/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 5 — "Shadow Warrior."After last week's bombshell reveal of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), we were all left scratching our heads wondering exactly what happened to Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) and how things would play out now that reinforcements in the form of Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) had arrived. The first half of this episode is split into two, with Ahsoka in a netherworld of the Force, grappling with her inner conflicts in the form of her old master as she struggles to survive in one part. In the other, we see Hera, Carson, and the rest desperately seeking any sign of Sabine and Ahsoka. It's young Jacen Syndulla (Evan Whitten) who realizes that she's waging a battle somewhere in the water, reliving moments of her life during the Clone Wars and the Siege of Mandalore, all...
- 9/13/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Cannes Film Festival head honcho Thierry Frémaux often likes to speak of the “Cannes family,” meaning the extended stable of international auteurs whom the festival helped discover, nurtured and has made regulars on the famed red-carpet steps of the Palais des Festivals. Today’s standard-bearer for Japan’s great tradition of humanist filmmaking in Cannes is undoubtedly Hirokazu Kore-eda, whose features have been included in the festival’s official selection seven times, a record for his home country. Incidentally, the leitmotif of Kore-eda’s work is also family — families broken, families in turmoil and families found. His most celebrated films at Cannes have all centered on the theme, albeit in various and inventive ways.
Like Father, Like Son, winner of the 2013 Cannes jury prize, told the story of two boys mistakenly switched at birth, the discovery of which — years later — confronts the parents with the agonizing decision of whether to...
Like Father, Like Son, winner of the 2013 Cannes jury prize, told the story of two boys mistakenly switched at birth, the discovery of which — years later — confronts the parents with the agonizing decision of whether to...
- 5/18/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kadokawa has revealed the first look teaser for a movie called Kubi, a historical epic from iconic Japanese actor Beat Takeshi. This will be premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival later this month in the Cannes Premiere section. This film was conceived by director Takeshi Kitano around the same time as Sonatine, one of his early masterpieces, and has been in the works for 30 years. It depicts the "Honnoji Incident" along with the ambitions, betrayals, and fates of various characters, including warlords, ninja, comedians, and peasants. The ambitious new film has assembled a splendid and unique cast! Takeshi plays Hideyoshi Hashiba, who plots the "Honnoji Incident," and Hidetoshi Nishijima plays Mitsuhide Akechi. Ryo Kase gives a dubious performance as the mad genius Nobunaga Oda, while Tadanobu Asano and Nao Omori play the military strategist Kanpei Kuroda, who supports Hideyoshi, and his brother Hidenaga Hashiba with a great sense of humor.
- 5/3/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
One of our most-anticipated films in the Cannes Film Festival 2023 lineup is the latest work from Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano. Kubi, set to debut in the Cannes Premiere section and marking his first film since 2017’s Outrage Coda, has been on the filmmaker’s mind for the last thirty years, initially developing it around 1993’s Sonatine. The first trailer has now arrived ahead of the premiere and a subsequent Japanese release this fall.
Based on the director’s own novel, which was released in 2019, the period epic will follow the real-life Honno-ji Incident, in which famed warlord Oda Nobunaga was assassinated at a temple in Kyoto in 1582. Starring Asano Tadanobu, Nishijima Hidetoshi, and Kase Ryo, the film was originally reported to be the 76-year-old director’s final feature, but that sounds like it won’t be the case.
“If possible, I hope this movie will be a hit, and I...
Based on the director’s own novel, which was released in 2019, the period epic will follow the real-life Honno-ji Incident, in which famed warlord Oda Nobunaga was assassinated at a temple in Kyoto in 1582. Starring Asano Tadanobu, Nishijima Hidetoshi, and Kase Ryo, the film was originally reported to be the 76-year-old director’s final feature, but that sounds like it won’t be the case.
“If possible, I hope this movie will be a hit, and I...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Leading Japanese film studio Kadokawa has picked up all rights to “Kubi,” the upcoming film by Kitano Takeshi which will have its premiere out of competition in Cannes. Kadokawa will handle both the international sales and the Japanese commercial release.
The film depicts the historical ‘Honno-ji Incident’ from 1582, when a key vassal of Oda Nobunaga rose in revolt and caused his master to commit hara-kiri in Kyoto. The reasons for the revolt and whether Akechi Mitsuhide was really the ringleader have been debated ever since.
The film will explore the ambitions, betrayals, and fates of various characters, including warlords, ninjas, traveling performers, and peasants, and brings out the essence of Kitano’s world, including intense violence and dark humor.
Speaking at a press event over the weekend, Kitano explained that “This film is based on my own understanding of what the period and people were like,” and it will definitely...
The film depicts the historical ‘Honno-ji Incident’ from 1582, when a key vassal of Oda Nobunaga rose in revolt and caused his master to commit hara-kiri in Kyoto. The reasons for the revolt and whether Akechi Mitsuhide was really the ringleader have been debated ever since.
The film will explore the ambitions, betrayals, and fates of various characters, including warlords, ninjas, traveling performers, and peasants, and brings out the essence of Kitano’s world, including intense violence and dark humor.
Speaking at a press event over the weekend, Kitano explained that “This film is based on my own understanding of what the period and people were like,” and it will definitely...
- 4/17/2023
- by Patrick Frater and Mark Schilling
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Luddy, the co-founder of the Telluride Film Festival and a longtime producer for Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope Studios, died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 79.
His death comes on the verge of the festival’s 50th anniversary, as Telluride planned to salute the man responsible for establishing the Colorado gathering as a critical launchpad for international cinema. Luddy was shrewd cinephile with a daunting grasp of film history that informed his sharp opinions about the medium, much of which played a role in the unique nature of the Telluride community.
The festival drew crowds of major directors and industry insiders in tandem with amateur movie lovers attracted to the same welcoming environment he created for anyone who shared his passion for the movies. For many Telluride devotees, Luddy was its biggest draw — someone as emblematic of cinema’s global presence as the directors he championed.
As...
His death comes on the verge of the festival’s 50th anniversary, as Telluride planned to salute the man responsible for establishing the Colorado gathering as a critical launchpad for international cinema. Luddy was shrewd cinephile with a daunting grasp of film history that informed his sharp opinions about the medium, much of which played a role in the unique nature of the Telluride community.
The festival drew crowds of major directors and industry insiders in tandem with amateur movie lovers attracted to the same welcoming environment he created for anyone who shared his passion for the movies. For many Telluride devotees, Luddy was its biggest draw — someone as emblematic of cinema’s global presence as the directors he championed.
As...
- 2/14/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Tom Luddy, the film producer who co-founded Telluride Film Festival, died Monday in Berkeley, California, after a long illness, the festival confirmed. He was 79.
The producer behind films like “The Secret Garden” (1993) and “Barfly” (1987) co-founded the festival in 1974 with Bill and Stella Pence and James Card. He served as co-director, then artistic director and adviser through 2022.
“Tom was a force in the film industry for nearly six decades,” Telluride wrote in a release. “He had a life-long love and passion for film, and a tireless dedication to film restoration, distribution, and exhibition. His presence will be profoundly missed by the many people whose lives were touched by his kindness, artistry, and his innate ability to bring people together to make something beautiful.”
Also Read:
Austin Majors, Former ‘NYPD Blue’ Child Actor, Dies at 27
“The world has lost a rare ingredient that we’ll all be searching for, for some time,...
The producer behind films like “The Secret Garden” (1993) and “Barfly” (1987) co-founded the festival in 1974 with Bill and Stella Pence and James Card. He served as co-director, then artistic director and adviser through 2022.
“Tom was a force in the film industry for nearly six decades,” Telluride wrote in a release. “He had a life-long love and passion for film, and a tireless dedication to film restoration, distribution, and exhibition. His presence will be profoundly missed by the many people whose lives were touched by his kindness, artistry, and his innate ability to bring people together to make something beautiful.”
Also Read:
Austin Majors, Former ‘NYPD Blue’ Child Actor, Dies at 27
“The world has lost a rare ingredient that we’ll all be searching for, for some time,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
In 1993, Akira Kurosawa’s final feature, “Madadayo,” was released. Following this, he would leave the director’s chair entirely after he suffered an injury to his spine, forcing him to spend the final years of his life in a wheelchair. After decades of filmmaking, his career as a director had come to an end. Yet, he wasn’t done artistically speaking, remaining active as a screenwriter. Unfortunately, things would worsen for him in the following years as his health gradually declined, further restricting him from being artistically creative. On September 6th, 1998, Akira Kurosawa died due to a stroke. The death of the renowned filmmaker was met with international mourning. However, his legacy would continue to live on thanks to overwhelming admiration from audiences for his filmography and numerous tributes. On top of this, many who worked alongside the beloved auteur sought to honor him. One such movie...
- 1/30/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's contribution to cinema has been unprecedented. Throughout his long and eventful career, Kurosawa crafted films that were both historical and contemporary, which were simultaneously infused with grounded human drama and dreamlike qualities. As someone who was intimately involved in the filming process, Kurosawa paid extensive attention to the visual language of the stories he brought to life. This dedication to details is reflected in almost every film he made, from the profound, violent "Throne of Blood" to the surreal, episodic "Dreams."
However, while Kurosawa was meticulously dedicated to his cinematic vision, he made sure that his characters were given the chance to bloom organically. In an interview with John Powers titled "An Audience with the Emperor," Kurosawa explained how he never wanted any of his films to turn out exactly the way he had written or envisioned them. In order to clarify his stance, Kurosawa...
However, while Kurosawa was meticulously dedicated to his cinematic vision, he made sure that his characters were given the chance to bloom organically. In an interview with John Powers titled "An Audience with the Emperor," Kurosawa explained how he never wanted any of his films to turn out exactly the way he had written or envisioned them. In order to clarify his stance, Kurosawa...
- 8/26/2022
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
by Nathaniel R
Last week we had the pleasure of an invitation to the East Coast premiere of the anime rock opera Inu-Oh, which opens in theaters today. It's distributed by GKids, a company which has long championed non-Hollywood animation for US audiences who we all know can be stubbornly myopic about animation, viewing it as a genre rather than a medium capable of all kinds of genres and visual experiences. The screening was at Japan Society here in Manhattan. I bring this up primarily because I had somehow never been there and must highly recommend the venue which has monthly screenings of both anime films and acclaimed live action Japanese films, too. Seeing specialty films, which generally play to tiny arthouse crowds, in a beautiful respectful context to a large packed crowd is always a thrill.
And Inu-Oh deserves a big screen so don't wait until streaming if it hits a theater near you.
Last week we had the pleasure of an invitation to the East Coast premiere of the anime rock opera Inu-Oh, which opens in theaters today. It's distributed by GKids, a company which has long championed non-Hollywood animation for US audiences who we all know can be stubbornly myopic about animation, viewing it as a genre rather than a medium capable of all kinds of genres and visual experiences. The screening was at Japan Society here in Manhattan. I bring this up primarily because I had somehow never been there and must highly recommend the venue which has monthly screenings of both anime films and acclaimed live action Japanese films, too. Seeing specialty films, which generally play to tiny arthouse crowds, in a beautiful respectful context to a large packed crowd is always a thrill.
And Inu-Oh deserves a big screen so don't wait until streaming if it hits a theater near you.
- 8/12/2022
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Alan Ladd Jr, the veteran film producer who won a Best Picture Oscar for Braveheart, commissioned George Lucas to write Star Wars and was an influential executive for Fox and MGM/United Artists, died today, his family said. He was 84.
His daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones, who directed the 2017 feature documentary Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies wrote on social media: “With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence.”
Watch a trailer for her documentary below.
Along with Star Wars and Braveheart, Ladd was responsible for such Hollywood classics as a producer and studio boss, including Alien, Blade Runner, The Omen, All That Jazz, Norma Rae, Chariots of Fire, Thelma & Louise and Young Frankenstein.
Overall, his films...
His daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones, who directed the 2017 feature documentary Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies wrote on social media: “With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence.”
Watch a trailer for her documentary below.
Along with Star Wars and Braveheart, Ladd was responsible for such Hollywood classics as a producer and studio boss, including Alien, Blade Runner, The Omen, All That Jazz, Norma Rae, Chariots of Fire, Thelma & Louise and Young Frankenstein.
Overall, his films...
- 3/2/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Boaz Yakin discusses some of his favorite films with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Aviva (2020)
The Harder They Fall (2021)
The Harder They Come (1972)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Fresh (1994)
Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
Safe (2012)
Scream (2022)
The Punisher (1989)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Kagemusha (1980) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Mean Streets (1973)
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The 400 Blows (1959) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Yojimbo (1961)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Short Cuts (1993) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray commentary
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Coonskin (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Lord of the Rings (1978)
Wizards (1977)
Heavy Traffic (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
Quintet (1979)
Brewster McCloud (1970) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Mash (1970)
Nashville (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Dan Perri’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Aviva (2020)
The Harder They Fall (2021)
The Harder They Come (1972)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Fresh (1994)
Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
Safe (2012)
Scream (2022)
The Punisher (1989)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Kagemusha (1980) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Mean Streets (1973)
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The 400 Blows (1959) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Yojimbo (1961)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Short Cuts (1993) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray commentary
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Coonskin (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Lord of the Rings (1978)
Wizards (1977)
Heavy Traffic (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
Quintet (1979)
Brewster McCloud (1970) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Mash (1970)
Nashville (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Dan Perri’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/22/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Like casual social hugs and the daily commute to the office cubicle, the platform movie release has been a casualty of the age of Covid. You remember the platform release, don’t you? It used to happen quite a bit this time of year. A movie with a major independent distributor, like Searchlight or A24 or Neon or Focus, would begin its journey down the runway, bolstered by excited media features and a healthy swell of positive reviews. At last, it would take off — in two or six theaters in New York and Los Angeles, where it would rack up a ginormous per-screen average.
In places like Variety, but also, at times, in non-entertainment publications, the news would be trumpeted with headlines like “Crown Jewel: ‘Spencer’ Is the Top-Grossing Limited Release of Any Movie This Year.” Those headlines, and the aura of success they imparted, would become their own form of publicity.
In places like Variety, but also, at times, in non-entertainment publications, the news would be trumpeted with headlines like “Crown Jewel: ‘Spencer’ Is the Top-Grossing Limited Release of Any Movie This Year.” Those headlines, and the aura of success they imparted, would become their own form of publicity.
- 11/21/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Get your wallets ready, PlayStation 4 owners: Sony’s latest sale for all owners of its soon-to-be-retired console is filled to bursting point with more games than you could possibly ever finish in a single lifetime. Okay, so there’s some obvious hyperbole there, but it’s certainly no exaggeration to say gamers are being spoiled for choice this time around, and thanks to some extremely competitive price points, there should be something here for all folks, regardless of budget.
If you’re looking to pick a title up for little more than the price of lunch, all of the following are currently on sale for less than $10 as part of so-called Double Discounts. The term, for those unaware, refers to an additional 50% reduction reserved exclusively for PlayStation Plus subscribers, so non-members will need to pay double for these.
Less than $10 (Double Discounts)
Dead Island Definitive Collection — $5.99 Everybody’s Golf — $5.99 GoNNER...
If you’re looking to pick a title up for little more than the price of lunch, all of the following are currently on sale for less than $10 as part of so-called Double Discounts. The term, for those unaware, refers to an additional 50% reduction reserved exclusively for PlayStation Plus subscribers, so non-members will need to pay double for these.
Less than $10 (Double Discounts)
Dead Island Definitive Collection — $5.99 Everybody’s Golf — $5.99 GoNNER...
- 9/21/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Legendary stuntman Buddy Joe Hooker joins Josh and Joe to discuss the movies that made him.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Harold And Maude (1971)
White Lightning (1974)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
White Line Fever (1975)
Bound For Glory (1976)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Outsider (1980)
Freebie And The Bean (1978)
Sharky’s Machine (1981)
First Blood (1982)
Night Shift (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983)
Against All Odds (1984)
To Live And Die In L.A. (1985)
F/X (1986)
Tucker The Man And His Dream (1988)
Sea of Love (1989)
Miami Blues (1990)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Demolition Man (1993)
The Crow (1994)
Waterworld (1995)
From Dusk Till Dawn(1996)
Grosse Point Blank (1997)
Django Unchained (2012)
Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park (1978)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Kagemusha (1980)
Ran (1985)
The Fugitive (1993)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Casino Royale (2006)
Quantum of Solace (2008)
The Fast And The Furious (2001)
The Strongest Man In The World (1975)
The War of the Worlds (1953)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Bullitt (1968)
Robbery (1967)
S.O.B. (1981)
Vanishing Point...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Harold And Maude (1971)
White Lightning (1974)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
White Line Fever (1975)
Bound For Glory (1976)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Outsider (1980)
Freebie And The Bean (1978)
Sharky’s Machine (1981)
First Blood (1982)
Night Shift (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983)
Against All Odds (1984)
To Live And Die In L.A. (1985)
F/X (1986)
Tucker The Man And His Dream (1988)
Sea of Love (1989)
Miami Blues (1990)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Demolition Man (1993)
The Crow (1994)
Waterworld (1995)
From Dusk Till Dawn(1996)
Grosse Point Blank (1997)
Django Unchained (2012)
Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park (1978)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Kagemusha (1980)
Ran (1985)
The Fugitive (1993)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Casino Royale (2006)
Quantum of Solace (2008)
The Fast And The Furious (2001)
The Strongest Man In The World (1975)
The War of the Worlds (1953)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Bullitt (1968)
Robbery (1967)
S.O.B. (1981)
Vanishing Point...
- 8/11/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
After much thought, and taking into consideration the health of our guests and viewers, Nihon Media announced that Japan Filmfest Hamburg cannot take place this year as a traditional film festival – and will be online instead. Under the motto ‘Breaking Free – From Japan with Love’, Nihon Media will collaborate with Videocity to stream its entire programme of 70+ films in around 40 blocks globally from 19th of August to the 2nd of September.
The 2020 film programme features 70 current productions, from full-length feature films to experimental short films, including many German, European, and international premieres. Most of the films are shown in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. One special highlight of our programme is the gangster-ballad originally planned as the opening film for the 21st Jffh, “Paradise Next” (2018) from director and film composer Yoshihiro Hanno (“Flowers of Shanghai”). An atmospheric road-movie about the travels of three lost souls living on the edges of society,...
The 2020 film programme features 70 current productions, from full-length feature films to experimental short films, including many German, European, and international premieres. Most of the films are shown in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. One special highlight of our programme is the gangster-ballad originally planned as the opening film for the 21st Jffh, “Paradise Next” (2018) from director and film composer Yoshihiro Hanno (“Flowers of Shanghai”). An atmospheric road-movie about the travels of three lost souls living on the edges of society,...
- 8/10/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Acclaimed British actor, writer and producer Idris Elba will receive a BAFTA Special Award for his creative contribution to television and his commitment to championing diversity and new talent in the industry.
The Special Award is one of the British Academy’s highest honors, with previous recipients for television including Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.
Elba’s breakout came in HBO’s “The Wire” and he shot to international fame with his starring role in hit BBC drama “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe and scored several Primetime Emmy and BAFTA nominations. Last year, Elba starred in and executive produced the fifth season of “Luther.” Sky’s “In The Long Run,” created by and starring Elba, inspired by his own experiences, is back soon for a third season.
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion,...
The Special Award is one of the British Academy’s highest honors, with previous recipients for television including Nicola Shindler, Clare Balding, John Motson, Henry Normal, Nick Fraser, Lenny Henry, Delia Smith and Cilla Black.
Elba’s breakout came in HBO’s “The Wire” and he shot to international fame with his starring role in hit BBC drama “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe and scored several Primetime Emmy and BAFTA nominations. Last year, Elba starred in and executive produced the fifth season of “Luther.” Sky’s “In The Long Run,” created by and starring Elba, inspired by his own experiences, is back soon for a third season.
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion,...
- 7/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Phyllis Somerville, an actress whose character work spanned decades as well as television, film and the stage (Broadway’s To Kill A Mockingbird), died of natural causes at her home in New York City on July 16. She was 76.
Her death was announced by her manager Paul Hilepo.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, and soon developing a longstanding desire to move to New York City to become a Radio City Rockette, Somerville was cast in her first Equity job after college when she scored a role at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The job was the first in a long line of stage credits, including roles in Over Here on Broadway, The Spitfire Grill at Playwrights Horizons Off Broadway, Happiness at Lincoln Center, Night Mother national tour, and various other theater productions.
Most recently, Somerville appeared on...
Her death was announced by her manager Paul Hilepo.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, and soon developing a longstanding desire to move to New York City to become a Radio City Rockette, Somerville was cast in her first Equity job after college when she scored a role at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The job was the first in a long line of stage credits, including roles in Over Here on Broadway, The Spitfire Grill at Playwrights Horizons Off Broadway, Happiness at Lincoln Center, Night Mother national tour, and various other theater productions.
Most recently, Somerville appeared on...
- 7/17/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony, apparently eager to make paying full price for some of the best games money can buy a thing of the past, has just kicked off yet another digital sale for all PlayStation 4 owners. July Savings includes over 500 titles spread across three separate promotions, ranging from $15 and under discounts to deals focused specifically on popular multiplayer and co-op experiences.
As you’ve no doubt already experienced by taking just a cursory glance at the PlayStation Store, deciding what to splash the cash on with so many options available is a daunting process. To help make your window shopping experience that little bit easier to digest, then, you can find a list (ordered alphabetically) of just some of the top-quality games currently on offer below.
July Savings
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition — $28 Anthem: Legion of Dawn Edition — $17 Ao Tennis 2 — $17 Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered — $16 Assassin’s Creed IV Black...
As you’ve no doubt already experienced by taking just a cursory glance at the PlayStation Store, deciding what to splash the cash on with so many options available is a daunting process. To help make your window shopping experience that little bit easier to digest, then, you can find a list (ordered alphabetically) of just some of the top-quality games currently on offer below.
July Savings
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition — $28 Anthem: Legion of Dawn Edition — $17 Ao Tennis 2 — $17 Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered — $16 Assassin’s Creed IV Black...
- 7/9/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Akira Kurosawa is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. In addition to directing 30 movies, in his 57-year career, Kurosawa was the assistant director and editor of numerous films. He also worked in theater and television and was a celebrated novelist. With such an extensive body of work to his name, it can be difficult to know where to begin with his films. So, here is a look at Kurosawa’s very best.
Ikiru
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Akira Kurosawa directed approximately one movie per year. That would be unheard of these days! The 1953 film Ikiru follows a struggling terminally-ill bureaucrat from Tokyo as he searches for meaning. It is inspired by Tolstoy’s 1886 novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich. The film explores themes like the inefficiency of bureaucracy, the decaying life of families in Japan, and the quest to learn how to live life best.
Ikiru
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Akira Kurosawa directed approximately one movie per year. That would be unheard of these days! The 1953 film Ikiru follows a struggling terminally-ill bureaucrat from Tokyo as he searches for meaning. It is inspired by Tolstoy’s 1886 novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich. The film explores themes like the inefficiency of bureaucracy, the decaying life of families in Japan, and the quest to learn how to live life best.
- 7/9/2020
- by AMP Training
- AsianMoviePulse
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