The Hidden Fortress (1958)

"I've seen people as they are, without pretense. I've seen their beauty and their ugliness with my own eyes." At long last, Film Junk is finally showing legendary director Akira Kurosawa a little love with a review of his 1958 epic adventure film The Hidden Fortress. Is it one of his all-time masterpieces? Many would argue not. But it is a pretty fun watch that served as a loose inspiration for Star Wars, which was our excuse for digging into it. Is Toshiro Mifune one of the manliest actors who ever lived? How do you hide gold inside wood? Should older movies be held up to the same level of plot scrutiny as modern ones? Does every fire festival serve terrible sandwiches? Grab your yari and meet us on the battlefield for the latest episode of Film Junk, you shitworm.