Akira Kurosawa’s films heavily influenced Star Wars creators, particularly George Lucas. This article examines five significant films—”Hidden Fortress,” “Seven Samurai,” “Yojimbo,” “Rashomon,” and “Kagemusha”—that have shaped the narratives of the Star Wars universe. The themes, character dynamics, and storytelling methods employed by Kurosawa resonate throughout the franchise, showcasing his lasting impact on filmmakers today.
The influence of Akira Kurosawa’s cinematic work on the creators of Star Wars is profound. George Lucas discovered Kurosawa’s films during his education at USC and emphasized his unique visual storytelling. In discussing Kurosawa’s artistry, he stated that “it’s hard to really appreciate the true genius of Kurosawa until you’ve seen a few of the films… The visual graphics and framing… go a long way to telling the story.” This article highlights five of Kurosawa’s films that shaped Star Wars narratives.
The first film, “Hidden Fortress” (1958), features two peasants who unwittingly escort a princess and a general. This setup mirrors the dynamic of C-3PO and R2-D2 with the princess and the general reflecting Leia Organa and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Furthermore, Lucas adopts similar shot framing and wipe transitions from Kurosawa.
Secondly, “Seven Samurai” (1954) follows a village recruiting samurai to defend against bandits. Fans can witness this thematic parallel in episodes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, where Jedi ally with warriors to protect communities from foes.
The film “Yojimbo” (1961) centers on a lone ronin who manipulates two warring factions in a desperate village. Deborah Chow, director of Obi-Wan Kenobi, drew parallels between Jedi and ronin, suggesting that both maintain an ethical code of honor in treacherous times. Additionally, Star Wars: Visions creators acknowledged Kurosawa’s influence in their tribute to samurai films.
“Rashomon” (1950) presents a narrative through conflicting perspectives on an assault and murder. Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” similarly employs this method, revealing varying accounts of an incident from different characters’ viewpoints, thereby affecting audience interpretations. Leslye Headland of The Acolyte referenced this style in episodes showing events from multiple perspectives.
Lastly, “Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior” (1980) features a thief as a decoy for a warlord, a concept echoed in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. This motif is recognized in the series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the reunion sequence in Star Wars: Ahsoka, demonstrating Kurosawa’s lasting influence on modern storytelling.
The cinematic vision of Akira Kurosawa has left an indelible mark on the universe of Star Wars. Each of the five films highlighted—”Hidden Fortress,” “Seven Samurai,” “Yojimbo,” “Rashomon,” and “Kagemusha”—has influenced character dynamics, storytelling techniques, and thematic constructs within the franchise. George Lucas and contemporary directors alike have drawn inspiration from Kurosawa’s masterful storytelling, ensuring his legacy continues to shape modern filmmaking.
Original Source: www.starwars.com
